Herpes: Everything You Need To Know About Prevention and Treatment

Summary: Herpes is a very common virus that causes painful, fluid-filled blisters and sores. There are two main types: HSV-1, which usually causes cold sores around the mouth, and HSV-2, which usually causes sores in the genital area. However, both types can spread to either area.

The virus is highly contagious and spreads through skin-to-skin contact, like kissing, having sex, or sharing personal items like lip balm and towels. A tricky part about herpes is that it can spread even when a person has no visible sores at all.

Once you get the herpes virus, it stays inside your body's nerve cells forever. It usually stays asleep, but things like stress, being sick, or getting too much sun can wake it up and cause an outbreak. While there is no cure, doctors can prescribe antiviral medicines to help heal the sores faster and stop them from coming back as often. You can also protect yourself and others by using condoms, not sharing personal items, and managing your stress.

For more details, see Health.com at health.com/herpes-7372550 (opens in new tab)