Symptoms of Herpes 2

What are the symptoms of Herpes 2 (Genital Herpes)?

Most people infected with HSV-2 are not aware of their infection. However, if signs and symptoms occur during the first outbreak, they can be quite pronounced.

The first outbreak usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted, and the sores typically heal within two to four weeks. Other signs and symptoms during the primary episode may include a second crop of sores, and flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. However, most individuals with HSV-2 infection never have sores, or they have very mild signs that they do not even notice or that they mistake for insect bites or another skin condition.

People diagnosed with a first episode of genital herpes can expect to have several (typically four or five) outbreaks (symptomatic recurrences) within a year. Over time these recurrences usually decrease in frequency. It is possible that a person becomes aware of the "first episode" years after the infection is acquired.

How is Herpes 2 (Genital Herpes) transmitted?

Herpes Simplex 2 is transmitted from skin to skin contact, normally during sexual activity, with an individual who already carries the HSV-2 virus. Although transmission most commonly occurs by coming into contact with the sores caused by the Genital Herpes virus, it is also possible to transmit (and consequently contract) Genital Herpes in between outbreaks (or any time no sores are present). As many of those infected never experience actual symptoms of Genital Herpes, it is not safe to assume that your partner (or yourself) is not infected solely because no blisters are visible.

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