Herpes (or Herpes Simplex Virus/HSV) is a viral condition that can cause oral or genital herpes. This is a fairly common condition and can be transmitted by direct contact with the sores. Unfortunately, due to its stigma, many people do not know about the condition’s types, signs, and symptoms. This article aims to raise awareness about herpes by discussing the common warning signs and risks associated with the condition.

Types of Herpes
There are two main types of HSV:

• HSV-1: It mostly spreads by oral contact and is often referred to as oral herpes. It may cause cold sores or fever blisters around one’s mouth. In rare cases, the virus may also be transmitted via a shared lip balm, razors, drinkware, or eating utensils.
• HSV-2: Also known as genital herpes, HSV-2 spreads via sexual contact. It can lead to the formation of sores in or around intimate areas.

Warning signs and symptoms of HSV
The occurrence and severity of symptoms of herpes vary from person to person. Some warning signs that may indicate herpes include:

Tingling, itching, or burning
One may experience an irritating itching a day or two before blisters appear.

Sores or blisters
The appearance of painful, fluid-filled blisters is one of the most recognizable warning signs of herpes. These blisters tend to break open and release fluid. Then, they form a crust before healing. Sores may appear between 2-20 days after contact with an infected person and may last for 7-10 days. 

Flu-like symptoms
When living with an active HSV infection, one may also experience general flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or groin area.

Urination problems
Some people with herpes may also experience pain, discomfort, or a burning sensation while urinating. This is most commonly observed among women.

Vaginal discharge
Some women may also experience abnormal vaginal discharge due to a herpes infection.

However, it is essential to note that everyone with herpes may not exhibit symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic herpes and is especially common with HSV-2.

Another peculiar characteristic of herpes is that symptoms tend to differ for primary and recurrent outbreaks.

• First outbreak: In the first year of living with herpes, outbreaks tend to be more severe. One is more likely to experience flu-like symptoms due to the immune system’s response to the virus.
• Recurrent HSV symptoms: The number of outbreaks of herpes varies from person to person. Typically, those with HSV-2 experience four to five outbreaks yearly, while those with HSV-1 tend to experience less than one outbreak yearly. With time, the outbreaks become less frequent and less severe. Repeated outbreaks are more frequently reported among men, those with weakened immune systems, and those whose first outbreak lasted longer than 34 days.

Repeated outbreaks are often a result of exposure to triggers. Some commonly associated triggers include illness, poor eating habits, stress, friction in the genital area, prolonged exposure to UV rays, and surgery.

Complications associated with herpes
Currently, there is no known cure for herpes. For most people, the body builds immunity, reducing the occurrence of outbreaks as well. However, symptom management via medical treatment is necessary to avoid complications. Some of these may include:

• Aseptic meningitis: Among those with immuno-compromised systems, a herpes infection can be lethal. It may lead to inflammation of the linings in the brain (aseptic meningitis). It may also increase the risk of other conditions such as esophagitis, colitis, perianal ulcers, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
• Eye infection: The infection may also spread to one or both eyes. This is known as herpes keratitis. Common symptoms include pain, light sensitivity, discharge, and a sandy or gritty feeling in the eye(s). Ignoring or leaving this untreated may result in scarring of the eye, which can hamper one’s vision.
• Neonatal herpes: Pregnant women with active herpes infection during childbirth may pass on the virus to their newborn. This is known as neonatal HSV, a potentially lethal condition.

Managing herpes
To ease symptoms of HSV during an outbreak, one may try the following in combination with medical treatment:

• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a washcloth on the blisters or sores on one’s face or genitals.
• Keep the nether regions dry. Avoid wearing synthetic and tight-fitting clothes. Look for pants made of natural fabrics like cotton in a looser, breathable fit.
• Soak in a warm bath.
• Get treated for STIs and complete all prescribed courses of treatment.
• Wash hands often when experiencing an outbreak or when near someone exhibiting symptoms of HSV.

Herpes is a highly contagious virus that can cause a lifelong infection in individuals. Although it may not always manifest symptoms, it can still be transmitted to others through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. While it may not significantly impact daily life, it is essential to take preventative measures and avoid contact during outbreaks to minimize the risk of exposing or spreading the virus. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if unsure about management remedies. Although herpes symptoms may disrupt daily life activities, following home remedies and management techniques can help ease the symptoms and may help heal the sores more quickly.