Herpes
Herpes can be spread during vaginal, oral and anal sex with someone who has herpes.
Symptoms
Symptoms show up 1 to 30 days or longer after having sex with someone who is infected. Some people may be asymptomatic, while others will develop symptoms that include:
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Small, red bumps, painful blisters, or open sores on the sex organs, nearby areas or mouth.
- Itching or burning before the blisters appear.
- Jaundice (yellowed skin).
- Blisters that last 1 to 3 weeks.
- Blisters may go away, but you will still have herpes.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Doctors can perform a simple test to diagnose if you have herpes.
Herpes cannot be cured' there is no way to get rid of herpes once you have been diagnosed. There are medications available to help control outbreaks, but the risk of spreading the infection is always present even when there are no visible sores.
Herpes can be spread to your sexual partner(s), and mothers are also at risk of spreading the infection to their unborn children.