Blood tests also can be helpful in some cases. A positive result confirms the diagnosis, but a negative result does not rule it out.

The most accurate way is to obtain a sample from the sore and see if the virus grows in a special fluid. Several tests can be used to diagnose herpes. During this time, the lesions break open and “weep.” Over a period of days, the sores become crusted and then heal without leaving scars. The first bout with genital herpes may last 2–4 weeks. A stinging or burning feeling when you urinate also is common. Sores appear as small, fluid-filled blisters on the genitals, buttocks, or other areas. You may get swollen glands, fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea. Symptoms usually appear about 2–10 days after the herpes virus enters your body. When symptoms do occur, they can be mild (only a few sores) or severe (many sores). Many people infected with herpes have no symptoms. You even can reinfect yourself if you touch a sore and then rub or scratch another part of your body, especially your eyes. During oral sex, herpes can be passed from a cold sore around the mouth to a partner’s genitals or vice versa. This causes sores, blisters, and swelling.īesides the sex organs, genital herpes can affect the tongue, mouth, eyes, gums, lips, fingers, and other parts of the body. Your body’s natural defense system then begins to fight the virus. Once the virus gets into your body, it infects healthy cells. It can enter the moist membranes of the penis, vagina, urinary opening, cervix, or anus. The herpes virus can pass through a break in your skin during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

However, it also can be spread even if you do not see a sore. Genital herpes can be spread through direct contact with these sores, most often during sexual activity. The place where the sores appear is the original site where the virus entered your body. These sores can appear around the lips, genitals, or anus. Genital herpes is probably best known for the sores and blisters it causes. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Can you get hsv2 from touching