What is Herpes?
Herpes is an infection. It is caused by a virus. The virus is called herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV. They can both cause sores around the mouth. These are called cold sores. They can also cause sores on the genitals. This is known as genital herpes.

How do you get Herpes?
You may get it by kissing someone who has a cold sore.
You may get herpes in your genital area if you have oral sex with someone who has cold sores. You may also get herpes in your eyes, mouth, and genitals by touching
the sores. In most cases, people with herpes pass on the virus when they have sores on their mouth or genitals that are easy to see, but sometimes they can pass on the virus when their are no sores. A pregnant woman can also pass the virus to her baby when she is
giving birth. Sometimes people may not know they have herpes, but can pass it on.

How can you tell if you have Herpes?
You will most likely feel itching or tingling on your skin. Then, you will get blisters full of water. You will get a painful sore when the blisters break. This sore forms a scab. It will heal by itself. When you first get herpes, you may also feel like you have the flu. This may last several
weeks.

Can Herpes keep coming back?
Yes. The first time you get herpes is usually the worst. Most people get it more than once, but it is milder after the first time. If you have herpes, you have to rest, eat well, and exercise. You might get herpes again for the following reasons

You are tired or under stress.
You are ill.
You have a fever.
You got too much sun.
You have your period.
You are pregnant.

How do you get tested for Herpes?
There is no special test for Herpes. A doctor or nurse can tell if you have genital warts by looking at them.
Some types of Herpes can cause changes to a woman’s cervix. If these changes aren’t treated, they may lead to cancer of the cervix. A doctor or nurse can do a simple test called a PAP test to check your cervix. They will gently take some cells from your cervix. If you are
having sex, it is important to have a PAP test once a year. If you have Herpes, you might need PAP tests more often.

How is Herpes treated?
It cannot be cured. Acyclovir is a prescription drug that may reduce the length of the herpes outbreak. This medication will also reduce the pain. A doctor can also prescribe another medication for the pain.

What do you do when you have a Herpes outbreak?
Keep the area clean.
Wear cotton underwear.
Wear loose fitting clothes.
After urinating, wash your genital area with cool water.
If it hurts when you urinate, sit in a tub of warm water to urinate, or pour water over the area.
You might feel better if you put wet tea bags on the sores.

How can you prevent passing on the virus?
Try not to have oral sex when you have cold sores around the mouth. You should not have sex if you have an outbreak of genital herpes. Wait until the sores are gone.
It is rare, but you can pass on the herpes virus even when you don’t have sores.