Did you know that there are about 80 million Americans infected with herpes? This is a sexually transmitted disease and every year, the number of infected individuals continues to increase and is not slowing down. Genital herpes is among the most common type of herpes and about 500,000 Americans every year are diagnosed with such infection. How can you tell if you have herpes? What is the first sign of herpes?

To start with, you must be aware that herpes is primarily transmitted through oral sex and or sexual intercourse. Two viruses are said to cause the infection – type 1 herpes simplex and the type 2 herpes simplex virus.

These viruses can affect different parts of the body. The type 1 virus is the primary cause of oral herpes while the type 2 virus is said to be the cause of genital herpes. These viruses are highly contagious and individuals with open sores are more prone to it.

The first signs of herpes are blisters, painful bumps, and itching. The signs or symptoms usually vary from one individual to another. Other individuals may experience burning sensations especially when urinating while others find open sores on their most private area. Sometimes, the symptoms can also be similar to that of having flu and so it’s quite hard to tell if you have the infection or not.

First time patients experience severe signs like chills, headaches, fatigue, and the lymph glands are usually swollen. Blisters that flare up typically lasts for about two weeks but if the individual’s immune system is affected, the signs or symptoms tend to last a lot longer.

So if you’re genital area itches and you experience symptoms similar to that of flu, you must not touch the infected area and seek medical help at once.

You can get herpes not only through sexual intercourse. You can also get the infection through physical interaction with people with cold sores or otherwise know as oral herpes. Those who were previously infected with herpes can have recurrence of the symptoms every now and then, so don’t be surprised if you notice any of the symptoms or signs coming back.

At present, there is no way to cure herpes. However, you can find available medications in the market that treats the symptoms. By taking any of the medications, you can stop the symptoms of herpes in just a couple of days. If you want to treat the symptoms or signs of herpes, you must be able to treat it at once.

There are also times when herpes is mistaken for vaginal boils or yeast infection. To avoid being misdiagnosed, it would help a lot if you conduct a search about herpes. There are lots of information resources online. Gather as much information about it so that you will know the first signs of the infection. That way, you can easily tell if you have the herpes virus or not.

If this is your first time to have this infection, you need to seek medical help at once so that your condition can be properly diagnosed. Consult a doctor immediately; that way, you will know what to do just in case you experience the first sign of herpes.