Herpes is actually an umbrella term for 8 different viruses. Among those 8 strains of viral herpes are ones that may cause cold sores (herpes simplex virus 1, or HSV1) and chicken pox or shingles (human herpes virus 3, or HHV3).
Genital herpes, caused by human herpes virus 2 (HHV2), is one of the most frequently occurring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in North America. Most people infected with genital herpes have no sores or other recognizable herpes symptoms. When sores do occur, their location depends upon which sexual activity transmitted them.
Herpes viruses can be spread through sexual contact - both oral and genital. For the most part, herpes simplex prefers areas where the skin is thin, including the labia (lips) of the vagina and the lips of the mouth. Kissing can also transmit the virus if the mucous membranes of the mouth are infected.
The appearance of herpes symptoms comes and goes (as recurrences, outbreaks, or flare-ups) and differs across types of herpes. Symptoms can include pain and itching around the area of infection, sore throat, headaches, muscle pains, and, in the case of genital herpes, painful urination and swollen glands in the groin area.
Knowing which type of herpes you have is important, so that you can handle your herpes condition properly. It is especially important to note that the herpes viruses cannot be cured with any of the medications known to date. Once someone contracts herpes, they're stuck with it for life. Levels of contagion vary, but once infected, a person must consistently and diligently monitor their condition and take precautions to not transmit the herpes virus to anyone else.
If you think you may have herpes, go to your doctor or clinic as soon as possible. This is especially important for women who are or may become pregnant, as there is risk of transmitting the virus on to their offspring.