Viral STDs: Genital Warts, Herpes, AIDS (continued)
Herpes
Herpes type 1 and type 2 are STDs contracted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is infected with herpes. Though quite similar, type 1 generally recurs in the mouth, nose, and lips, and type 2 recurs in the genitals. Oftentimes symptoms are hidden, so it is difficult to know if a partner is infected with herpes or not.
Symptoms of herpes, which may appear 2 to 20 days after contact with a an infected person, include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Small, painful blisters on the sex organs or mouth
- Itching or burning before blisters appear
The blisters of an infected person last 7 to 10 days. Anti-viral medication is available when outbreaks occur. Herpes cannot be cured. The disease can be passed to any sexual partner and can also be passed to a baby during childbirth.
Self-check:
How is Herpes cured?There is no cure for herpes. The best way to protect yourself is through abstinence.
