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6 common warning signs of herpes

Herpes is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral and genital herpes are its common types. The disease spreads by skin-to-skin contact during intercourse. It has no cure, meaning once a person contracts the virus, it stays in their body for life. Some patients with herpes may show mild or no symptoms, while others may develop the following noticeable and bothersome warning signs.

Fluid-filled blisters
Painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores are among the most characteristic signs of herpes. A person may develop one or more of these after two to 20 days of infection. The blisters may last for seven to ten days. Their location may vary depending on the type of herpes:

Oral herpes (HSV-1): In most cases of oral herpes, the blisters appear on one’s lips or the region around the mouth. Sometimes, they may even form on the face or the tongue. Also called cold sores, they tend to go away on their own after a few weeks. While they can make one uncomfortable, they are generally harmless among adults.
Genital herpes (HSV-2): Those with HSV-2 may develop blisters anywhere on the genital region. Women may even experience sores inside the vaginal canal.

It is important to note that, with either type, the sores or blisters are not confined to these locations and may erupt anywhere on the skin.

Tingling, itching, or burning
A day or two before the blisters or sores appear, one may experience a tingling, itching, or burning sensation.

Flu-like symptoms
The herpes virus may also trigger flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, chills, headaches, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or groin area.

Urination problems
Some people with this condition may experience trouble urinating. This symptom mainly affects women, who may find it difficult to pass urine or have a burning sensation during urination.

Eye infection
If the virus spreads to the eye, it may cause symptoms like pain, light sensitivity, discharge, or a gritty feeling in the eye. This is known as herpes keratitis. Left untreated, it could lead to eye scarring, resulting in cloudy vision or blindness.

Discharge
Unusual discharge from the urethra and/or vagina is another commonly reported symptom. The discharge may be clear, thick, cloudy, or white. It is generally accompanied by a strong, foul, “fishy” odor, which tends to be more noticeable among women.

The first herpes outbreak lasts for about two to four weeks. Although the blisters begin disappearing, the virus remains in the body and may cause recurrent outbreaks. Repeat outbreaks tend to be shorter and less painful. The number of outbreaks varies significantly from person to person. After the first year, however, the average number of outbreaks for HSV-1 is less than one per year.

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