According to the American Health Association, a majority of adults have suffered from oral or genital herpes at one point or another. Statistics from the association go on to say that one of every six adults are suffering from genital herpes. Oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (type 1) and manifests itself through cold sores that usually appear on the mouth. On the other hand, genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2. This type of herpes can also be transmitted to the mouth through oral sex. Before you rush to find herpes prescription online, it is best to ensure that you are really suffering from the disease. After all, a variety of STDs share common sign and symptoms.
So what does it feel like when you have herpes? Herpes is transmitted through sexual intercourse or skin-to-skin contact with someone who is already a carrier of the disease. Here are three common symptoms of the disease in both men and women:
1. Cold sores or lesions
This is usually the first and very early sign of herpes infection. Referred to as the ‘classic’ sign, lesions represent any irregular breaking of the skin. The sores look like blisters. While it may be easy to disregard this because it is a symptom of many other diseases, it is important to get anything that seems foreign on your body checked out as lesions can be mistaken for a yeast infection. The cold sores and lesions can take up to a month to heal. They often appear in the genital and rectal areas as well as the thigh.
2. Flu-like symptoms
The signs and symptoms that are associated with herpes do not all occur at once. They come in various stages. Thus, after the lesions, the second crop of the symptoms are flu-like. They include high fever and swollen lymph nodes that are accompanied by painful headaches. However, flu-like symptoms are not specific to the first stage of herpes alone. At times, they can occur in a full-blown stage, together with the cold sores and lesions. For some people, these symptoms are mild while for others, they are highly severe.
3. Red areas around the genitals
It is definitely unusual to have red areas around the genital area. However, when you notice them, then you should get tested for herpes. The areas are not at all painful or itchy at all. Instead, they are just different in color from the rest of your skin. These red areas may appear and disappear, then afterward pop up after a few weeks or even months. It is important to remember that herpes has recurrent infections that recur in a mild or more severe form.
Herpes is a sexual infection that is associated with often unfouded stigma. But if you are suffering from it, do not shy away from treatment. The sooner you realize these symptoms and find herpes prescription online, the safer you will be. Better safe than sorry.
