Herpes

Herpes, whether oral herpes (HSV-1) or genital herpes (HSV-2), can manifest differently from person to person

Cold Sores: One of the most common symptoms of oral herpes is the appearance of cold sores or fever blisters on or around the lips. These sores may also appear on the cheeks, chin, or inside the mouth.

Pain or Itching: Before the cold sores appear, you may experience tingling, itching, or burning sensations around the mouth.

Fever: Some people may experience a low-grade fever during the initial outbreak of oral herpes.

Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes in the neck may become swollen and tender during an outbreak.

Sore Throat: In some cases, oral herpes outbreaks may be accompanied by a sore throat.

Genital Herpes (HSV-2):

Genital Sores: Similar to oral herpes, genital herpes causes the formation of painful blisters or sores on or around the genital area, including the buttocks and thighs. These sores may break open and ooze fluid before crusting over and healing.

Pain or Itching: Prior to the appearance of genital sores, individuals may experience itching, burning, or tingling sensations in the genital region.

Painful Urination: Urinating may be painful or uncomfortable during a genital herpes outbreak, especially if urine comes into contact with open sores.

Flu-like Symptoms: Some people with genital herpes may experience flu-like symptoms during the initial outbreak or subsequent outbreaks, including fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes in the groin area.

Vaginal Discharge: Women may notice abnormal vaginal discharge during a genital herpes outbreak.

Some individuals may carry the virus without ever developing noticeable symptoms (asymptomatic shedding). Additionally, symptoms may vary in severity from one outbreak to another, and recurrent outbreaks tend to be milder than the initial outbreak. If you suspect you have herpes or are experiencing symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice for diagnosis and management.