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what are herpes and how do people get them
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Herpes(also called HSV infection) is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that may cause skin blisters and sores in the genital area, but often causes no visible symptoms. It is possible to get genital herpes through sexual contact with an infected person even if he or she has no symptoms.
Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States and worldwide.
What causes genital herpes?
Genital herpes can be caused by either the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-which also causes cold sores-or the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes infection in the United States.
What are the symptoms?
The first-time (primary) outbreak of HSV often starts with painful itchy blisters on the penis or on the vulva (the area surrounding the opening of the vagina). The blisters rupture and turn into oozing shallow sores that take up to 3 weeks to heal. A primary outbreak may also include flulike symptoms, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches; painful urination; and abnormal discharge. However, most people who become infected with HSV have no symptoms, or the symptoms are so mild that they do not recognize that they are infected. The incubation period-the time from exposure to genital herpes until the primary outbreak of infection-is 2 to 14 days.
After the primary outbreak, the herpes simplex virus remains in the nerve cells below the skin in the area where the sores first appeared. The virus becomes inactive, causing no symptoms. In most people, the virus becomes active from time to time, traveling from the nerve cells to the skin and causing repeated blisters and sores (recurrent outbreaks).
Sores from recurrent outbreaks usually heal faster and are less painful than those from the primary outbreak. However, genital herpes infections can be severe in people with impaired immune systems, such as people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Factors such as stress, illness, a new sex partner, or menstruation may trigger recurrent outbreaks.
Whether you have symptoms or not, you can still transmit the infection. If you are sexually active, condoms can help reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of spreading HSV.
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It's a sexually transmitted disease.
You get it from having sex with someone who already has it.
Read this if you're still confused..
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its an std and u get it by having sex with someone who has them, giving or getting oral from someone who has it or if its herpes of the lips u can get it by kissing someon who has it.
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Its a sexually transmitted disease. You get them by having sex with an infected partner. Here is a site for more information.
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