Different Stages Of Herpes-What you need to know

Are there different stages of herpes?  Yes, there certainly are, and it’s extremely important that you understand the various stages so you can protect your health.  Many people don’t have much knowledge about herpes, its symptoms, or how the virus acts in different people’s systems.  That’s a big part of the reason that so many people are coming down with it.  Doctors from the Centers for Disease Control estimate that one out of four American has genital herpes.  This refers only to people who suffer active outbreaks; almost everyone of us has one or more herpes viruses inside us.  But in most people they’re dormant.  When symptoms appear near our reproductive organs, that’s genital herpes.  And when we talk about the different stages of herpes, we’re referring to that form.

The first stage of herpes usually appears several days after the infection was actually contracted.  It can take up to two weeks in some people.  Its signs are reddened skin, which can be sensitive to touch.  Sadly, most people don’t realize they have herpes until this stage has passed, which makes it harder to treat.

Then comes stage 2, which is when tiny blisters will start to appear.  In women, these can be either on the outside or inside of the reproductive organ.  They can also appear anywhere in the general area, such as the buttocks, inner thigh, etc.  At first, these blisters don’t seem that bad.

Then comes stage 3, the last of the stages of herpes.  The blisters, which by this time have filled with fluid, will start to leak the fluid.  They can become quite nasty looking and often very painful.  Women often experience pain or difficulty urinating, and may have a discharge.  By this time, the outbreak is nearly over.  Unfortunately, though, this is when many people first realize they have the virus.  Don’t make that mistake.  Catch it early, and get treatment right away.