What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Genital Herpes Outbreak?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by one of two forms of the herpes virus: herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2. Most cases of genital herpes result from a herpes simplex 2 infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevent. The infection is more common in women than men and affects 16.2 percent of Americans between the ages of 14 and 49. The virus typically spreads through direct physical contact with a herpes sore, but it can also be transmitted in the absence of sores, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
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Sores
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Sores or fluid-filled blisters develop in the genital and anal area in people with genital herpes. The area can be itchy because of the sores, which are often bunched up in clusters, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Pain or burning during urination can also develop when the sores are present. In women, sores form on the vagina, cervix, anus and buttocks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Men may develop sores on the penis, urethra, scrotum, anus and buttocks.
If it is a person's first outbreak, the sores typically develop two to 10 days after contracting the virus and will heal within two to four weeks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, many people who contract genital herpes will show no signs of infection. In those who do suffer an outbreak, it's possible to have four to five outbreaks the first year before they begin to become less frequent. Subsequent outbreaks are typically less severe and shorter than the initial episode. Several factors can trigger outbreaks, including stress, fatigue, illness and menstruation.
Swollen Glands
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An outbreak of genital herpes can also cause the glands to become swollen, according to the Mayo Clinic. The glands, or lymph nodes, may appear swollen or you may be able to feel them when palpitating the neck or armpits, where some lymph glands are located.
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Flu-like Symptoms
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An outbreak of genital herpes can also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms. You may have a fever, muscle aches, chills, fatigue and nausea. The flu-like symptoms are common with an initial outbreak and do not usually develop in subsequent episodes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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