Herpes Simplex

Signs and symptoms

Herpes on the face is known as a cold sore. However it can also occur on the genitals. Symptoms include:-

• Painful sores or blisters in the mouth, anus and/or male and female genitals
• Pain when passing urine
• Flu-like symptoms

Transmission

Caused by a virus, it is passed on by sexual contact with sores or blisters. Using condoms will reduce the risk of infection if blisters or sores are present. However, some people have no obvious symptoms but still carry the virus which is infectious to others. If sores/blisters are outside the area covered by the condom and there is skin-to-skin contact, transmission may occur.

Treatment

Cold sores are treated with cream applied to the affected area. Genital herpes is usually treated with tablets which help control the symptoms. However, the herpes virus itself stays in the body for life and symptoms may re-occur.