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Caused by the herpes simplex viruses, causing cold sores on the lips and genital area. Blisters appear from 2 to 21 days after contact with the infected person.
HowSpread:
It is spread through contact with blisters. Some with vaginal herpes do not know they are infected. Mothers can pass it on to their baby during delivery.
Symptoms:
Fever, pain in the joints, flu-like symptoms, painful urination, itching and tingling and enlarged lymph nodes. A doctor can swab the blisters or diagnose from symptoms. The first outbreak is usually the worst.
Treatment: There is no cure. Antiviral drugs help reduce the symptoms and medications can help heal sores more quickly.
Prevention: Do not have sex with or kiss people with blisters. Since the infection can be passed without any symptoms, use condoms regularly for any contact
Demographics:
It is not a reportable disease so exact numbers aren't known but it is a very common condition, affecting possibly 20 per cent of the population.
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