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Herpes simplex

Herpes simplex

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Herpes simplex is a virus that causes a blistering skin rash. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 usually causes cold sores in the mouth but can infect other organs such as the eye and the brain. HSV type 2 usually causes genital herpes.

Dr. Kat Kat reviewed this

34 years experience

Is a type of:

Herpes virus infections • Sexually transmitted diseases • Viral skin diseases • Mouth disorders

How long it usually lasts:

Short-term (lasts days to weeks)

How common it is:

Very common
Baby
0-2
Rare
Toddler
3-5
Preteen
6-13
Very common
Teenager
14-18
Very common
Young adult
19-40
Very common
Middle-aged adult
41-60
Very common
Senior
60+

Body locations

Mouth, Pelvis

Symptoms

Fever
Blistering
Swollen glands
Pain on urination
Burning with urination
Load more

Medications

Ratings show how effective doctors think these medications are at treating Herpes simplex
Zovirax
Valtrex
Famvir
Famciclovir
Foscarnet
Load more

Tests

HSV antigen detection dfa
HSV 1 and 2 type specific antibodies
Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 DNA
Herpes simplex 1 and 2 igg and igm
Herpes culture

Risk factors

Personal

Immunosuppression

Related questions

A 41-year old asked:

What is herpes simplex type 1?

1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

A 37-year old asked:

How do people contract herpes simplex?

1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

A 43-year old asked:

How painful are herpes simplex blisters?

1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

A 39-year old asked:

How big can your herpes simplex rash be?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 36-year old asked:

How can you tell you have herpes simplex?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 29-year old asked:

What is a secondary herpes simplex infection?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 24-year old male asked:

How far is the cure for herpes simplex type 2?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A female asked:

Can herpes simplex cause rashes instead of blisters?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 39-year old asked:

Is it ok to kiss someone else that has herpes simplex?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 46-year old asked:

Could herpes simplex appear everywhere around the body?

2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

A 27-year old asked:

How will herpes simplex affect other parts of my health?

1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

A 43-year old asked:

Please help! What is the classification of herpes simplex?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 41-year old asked:

What are topical relief measures for herpes simplex blisters?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 44-year old asked:

Could my boyfriend give me oral sex if he has herpes simplex?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 31-year old asked:

Can you tell me is herpes simplex always sexualy transmitted ?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 38-year old asked:

In what way can a child get infected with herpes simplex type 1?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 31-year old asked:

I performed oral sex on my bf. will I get herpes simplex from him?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 41-year old asked:

Where do herpes simplex exist in the body and how does it reproduce?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 40-year old asked:

Hi doctors, was just wondering what is another name for herpes simplex?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 35-year old asked:

Is blister the most characteristic symptomof a herpes simplex infection?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 39-year old asked:

Since my boyfriend has herpes simplex, will I get it too just by contact?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 24-year old male asked:

Exist any medication that can help in avoid the spread of herpes simplex type 2?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 42-year old asked:

I'm a 14year old female and I was told I have xmrv and herpes simplex 6. what is xmrv?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 49-year old asked:

Please help docs! Where exactly do herpes simplex exist in the body and how does it reproduce?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 45-year old asked:

Please explain if it is true you can rid herpes simplex from your body? What methods work for this?

1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

A 46-year old asked:

What to if I am unsure if i have herpes simplex what is the best way to check with out going to a doctor?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A member asked:

If my partner and i are both herpes simplex type one and we had oral sex. Could we both become herpes simplex type two? ?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 50-year old asked:

Can I have herpes simplex 2?

1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

A 32-year old asked:

Is herpes simplex infection deadly to baby?

2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

A 41-year old asked:

Where do i get tested for herpes simplex 1?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

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