Herpes and Signs

How much do you know about herpes and signs you might be infected?  If you’re like the average person walking down the street, you probably don’t know much about this rampant disease at all.  Which is perfectly natural, because most people lead very busy lives and don’t really have the time to get acquainted with every possible disease out there, and they figure that if they ever need to learn about this particular STD, they can find out all they need to know.  Some people may vaguely remember some things they learned about the disease in their sex education classes, but that’s about it. If that’s you, here some fact about herpes and signs to look for when you’re infected.

First thing, of course, is that herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, or STD.  Anytime you go to bed with a partner you don’t know that well, you’re taking a risk of contracting herpes, because a very significant portion of the population either suffers from it, or is carrying the virus for it even though it doesn’t affect them.  Currently it’s about in 1 in 5 people over the age of 12.  Using condoms can help prevent contracting or spreading it, and while they’re not foolproof, they should always be used if you’re not completely monogamous.

What to look for?  Well, first off, be aware that it can take up to 3 weeks after infection for symptoms to develop.  The first one you’ll notice are blisters or small sores in the genital area.  The skin will also be red, and can be painful to the touch.  Women may experience a discharge and painful or difficult urination.  Other common symptoms include headache and muscle pain, back pain, swollen lymph nodes around the genitals.  Those are the symptoms of herpes, and signs you should be on the lookout for in a potential sex partner.