Common symptoms
Painful sores
Blisters or open sores on or around the mouth, genitals, or buttocks
Tingling or itching
Prodromal tingling, burning, or itching often signals an approaching outbreak
Flu-like symptoms
Fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes during the first outbreak
Painful urination
Genital sores can cause burning or pain when urinating
Recurrence
Outbreaks may recur periodically, often triggered by stress, illness, or sun exposure
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes lifelong infection. HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes (cold sores), while HSV-2 more commonly causes genital herpes — though either type can occur in either location. Many people are infected and unaware because they have mild or no symptoms.
The first (primary) outbreak is typically the most severe and can last 2 to 4 weeks. Recurrent outbreaks are shorter and less intense. Antiviral medications taken at the first sign of an outbreak can significantly shorten its duration.
Between outbreaks, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue. Suppressive antiviral therapy taken daily reduces the frequency of outbreaks and lowers the risk of transmission to sexual partners.