Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection that affects about 30 million Americans. There are thought to be about one half million new cases of herpes each year. This disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2. Type 1 most often grows on the body above the waist. It causes cold sores or fever blisters. Type 2 occurs most often below the waist, and causes genital herpes. Either virus will grow on the opposite spot, if carried by oral sex. This is a virus that recurs, or comes and goes. Infection with this virus is for life. Recurrences happen for many reasons, including being sick, friction from tight clothing or intercourse, emotional stress, and heat.

The herpes virus is passed from direct contact with an infected person. A person may be infected, yet have no symptoms. This means that a person with no obvious sores can spread the disease. When someone is newly infected or having a recurrance of herpes, they may have:
* pain,
* itching,
* fever, and
* tiredness.

Then blisters form, that will open and cause sores. These sores are usually painful. The blisters last for about a week, and then dry up. They may return several times a year.

Treatment includes a medication called acyclovir, that stops the virus from reproducing itself. It does not rid the body of the infection. Treatment may help shorten the length of an outbreak. Some people take the medicine daily to stop outbreaks from recurring.

Depending on the location of the sores on the genitals, herpes may be prevented by using a latex or plastic condom every time you have sex. If you have a history of herpes and are planning on getting pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider. Herpes can be passed on to a baby during birth, if the virus is present during a vaginal delivery.

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