Herpes is a common STD, and it is possible that you have contracted the virus and have no herpes symptoms. So how do you know if you have herpes? Before we answer that question, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about herpes.
What is herpes?
Herpes is a common viral infection that is often sexually transmitted, but not always. Herpes is caused by two different viruses that can cause sores around your genitals or mouth. Because of this, the two viruses are often associated with the location of the outbreak and are called genital herpes and oral herpes, although both strains of the virus can cause symptoms in either location. Herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact, especially in sexual situations. You can contract the virus if your genitals and/or mouth come into contact with the genitals and/or mouth of an infected person. The virus cannot survive for long outside the body, so you cannot get herpes from a toilet seat, bed linen or other objects.
As we mentioned above, herpes is very common. It is estimated that approximately one in six people in the US are living with genital herpes and two in three people are living with oral herpes. Part of the reason oral herpes is so common is because it can be transmitted so easily. Many people with oral herpes contracted the virus from a kiss from a parent or loved one when they were younger.
How do I know if I have herpes symptoms?
Usually herpes shows no symptoms at all and you cannot tell if you have herpes. The most common symptom to occur is what is commonly called an ‘outbreak’. These outbreaks are sores or blisters that develop on or around the mouth or genitals. Normally, the first outbreak will occur within the first few months after you contract the virus. Outbreaks tend to recur, although they tend to be less frequent and less painful, especially with the help of available antiviral medications. However, the first outbreak does not always occur soon after infection, and some people can go years without ever having an outbreak or symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to test regularly and be honest with your partner(s).
Here are a few other symptoms of herpes you may be exhibiting:
– fever
– headache
– fatigue
– pain in the body
– swollen lymph nodes
– vaginal discharge
– vaginal itching
– painful urination
– sores, blisters or sores on the anus, buttocks or thighs
– difficulty urinating
– meningitis
– encephalitis
– eczema
– eye infections
While all of the above symptoms could mean you have herpes, they could also mean you have another STD or virus. So you can’t diagnose herpes based on the symptoms alone. You can read more about the symptoms of herpes elsewhere on our site.
So, how do I know if I have herpes?
Regardless of what the common symptoms are or whether you experience them, you can’t tell if you have herpes based on how you look or feel. The only way to know for sure if you have herpes is to get tested regularly. Always know your status, the status of your partners and practice safer sex.