What Are the Symptoms of Herpes? 

The herpes virus exists in two strains known as Simplex Type 1 and Simplex Type 2. This article focuses on symptoms of Herpes Simplex Type 2, which affects the genitals and is considered a sexually transmitted disease.

Herpes is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. Once you have the virus, it will take anywhere from two days to three weeks for symptoms to appear.

Quick List: Symptoms of Herpes

Many people who contract herpes never know they have it because they don't experience any symptoms right away. Symptoms of herpes are often mild, or there are no symptoms at all. Research has revealed that approximately 3 out of 5 people who have herpes don't even notice symptoms.

Genital herpes may include these symptoms in the genital or anal areas:

• blisters,
• open sores,
• pain, itching or discomfort in the genital area, buttocks or inner thighs,
• painful urination is often the first sign,
• small red bumps.

Women may experience sores in the external genitals, buttocks, anus or cervix.

Men may find sores on the penis, scrotum, buttocks, anus or thighs or inside the urethra.

Both men and women may have flu-like signs and symptoms, such as

• fever,
• headache,
• muscle aches,
• swollen lymph nodes in your groin.

Approximately 4 of every 5 people who experience herpes sores in their first outbreak will have a recurrent outbreak at some point. While recurrent outbreaks tend to be milder, they can still cause discomfort. So it's important to recognize the symptoms of herpes when they begin to appear again.