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Mild Herpes Symptoms

Herpes.com estimates that 50 to 80 percent of adults in the United States are affected by oral herpes. More than 50 million adults are affected by genital herpes. Symptoms vary according to the severity of the condition.

  1. Lack of Symptoms

    • The American Social Health Association estimates that nearly 90 percent of people infected with genital herpes are unaware of the infection either because they have extremely mild symptoms or they are asymptomatic.

    Mistakable Signs

    • Both oral and genital herpes are characterized by sores (cold sores on the mouth or lesions on the genitals). In mild cases, the sores may be mistaken for an insect bite, yeast infection, jock itch or an abrasion.

    Outbreak Frequency

    • According to Herpes.com, typical cases of genital herpes cause about four outbreaks per year. In more severe cases, the outbreaks happen more frequently. Mild cases may go for long periods of time with no recurrence.

    Prodrome

    • Prior to a recurrence, you may experience a painful tingling or itching sensation in the area where the sore or lesion will develop (prodrome).

    Additional Symptoms

    • During an outbreak, you may also experience mild symptoms of the flu with a low-grade fever, headache and swollen glands.

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