The herpes simplex virus is capable of producing signs and symptoms that affect the entire body as a system. These are called systemic effects. Signs and symptoms of the virus can vary from person to person and from initial outbreak signs to recurrent herpes symptoms. As with an infection, the herpes virus can lead to whole-body effects. The herpes virus is known for the production of small, painful blisters of the genitals, mouth and, in rare cases, the eyes or inside the mouth.
Asymptomatic
The American Social Health Association (ASHA) points out that the herpes virus can be active even without the presence of any signs or symptoms. ASHA explains that this has been called several things, such as "asymptomatic shedding" or "asymptomatic reactivation." Such terms refers to the fact that a person has contracted the virus but has not had any symptoms. At some point, it is possible to develop signs or symptoms of the virus when it is activated. The herpes may also be so subtle that the symptoms are not recognized. It is possible to mis-attribute a small red sore on the mouth to chapped lips, a bug bite or cracked skin, suggests ASHA.
Prodrome Symptoms
Prodrome symptoms are warning symptoms that a herpes outbreak is about to occur. ASHA indicates that these symptoms are most common with genital herpes or the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Prodrome symptoms include tingling, pain or itching in the genital areas where blisters are about to appear. The skin may be warm to the touch or appear slightly red just before the blisters appear.
Blister Stage
Whether an individual has oral or genital herpes, the development of blisters follows the prodrome stage. These small, fluid-filled sacs can appear on or near the lips, nose, cheeks and, rarely, inside the mouth in individuals with oral herpes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Genital herpes in women occurs on the outer genitals, in the vaginal area, on the buttocks, on the anus or on the cervix, the Mayo Clinic says. Men may develop genital herpes on the penis, scrotum, buttocks, anus, thighs or inside the urethra. The blisters are painful and may cause difficulty in moving the mouth or urinating. The blisters will burst and ooze pus, liquid or blood until they crust over with a scab and heal. While these blisters are healing, a new crop may appear.
Flu-Like Symptoms
During the initial outbreak, the Mayo Clinic indicates that some users will experience flu-like symptoms from the virus. These include headache, muscle aches, fever, chills and swollen glands in the groin.
