Genital Herpes

📖What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a common, lifelong viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically type 2 though increasingly also type 1, which establishes a permanent presence in the nerve tissue near the base of the spine after initial infection and can periodically reactivate to cause recurrent outbreaks. The first outbreak is often the most severe, involving painful blisters or sores in the genital area along with flu-like symptoms, while subsequent recurrences tend to be milder and less frequent over time as the immune system develops a partial response. The virus can be transmitted even when no visible sores are present, through a process called asymptomatic viral shedding, which contributes significantly to its widespread transmission. While there is currently no cure, antiviral medications can effectively reduce the frequency, severity, and transmission risk of outbreaks.

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