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Genital herpes

Herpes (said: HER-peez) is a virus. People talk about herpes as either oral herpes (cold sores in or on the mouth) or genital herpes (sores on or in the vagina or penis).

What you should know about herpes:

  • One in every 5 Americans has genital herpes
  • It is passed from person to person through skin contact
  • Most people with herpes do not have any signs or symptoms
  • Herpes can show up and then go away. When it comes back, it is called an outbreak
  • The chance of getting or spreading HIV is higher during a herpes outbreak
  • You can spread herpes to someone else even if you are not having an outbreak
  • Medicines can treat and prevent outbreaks
  • There is no cure for herpes. It is always in your body
  • Outbreaks may get worse and happen more often if HIV is not under control

If you think you might be at risk, ask your healthcare provider to do a blood test to check for herpes.


For more information about genital herpes, visit herpeshelp.com.

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