How to Recognize the Early Signs of Herpes

Herpes is a sexually transmitted virus that causes blisters and infections. Herpes blisters appear on the mouth or the genitals, depending on the type contracted. Several symptoms may occur in the early stages of a herpes outbreak. Symptoms and severity vary greatly between different people. Recognizing the early signs of an outbreak my help prevent the spread of the disease.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize a tingling, slight burning feeling or itching in the genital area or on the mouth.

• 2

  Watch for flu-like symptoms to appear. These symptoms include fever, lethargy, headache and sore joints.

• 3

  Feel for swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck for oral herpes and in the bend of the hip for genital herpes. Occasionally, lymph nodes under the arms become swollen.

• 4

  Understand soreness in the mouth or genitals may be the start of a herpes outbreak.

• 5

  Look for small red blisters or open sores in the affected areas.