The Many Faces Of Herpes

Genital herpes is not the only kind of herpes that exist today. There are other forms like cold sores and these can be painful and embarrassing as well not to mention the fact that they are a harder form of herpes to hide. Did you know that there are over 80 different forms of the herpes virus? It is a good thing that only 8 of them affect humans. The most common forms of herpes can affect both the mouth and genital areas, they do not stick to one localized area.

Genital herpes is the most well known form of herpes and it affects millions of Americans today and each and every year at least 1 million more herpes cases are reported. You can get this type of herpes through any sort of skin to skin touching and it is something that both men and women can get. The symptoms of genital herpes are rashes, bumps or even blisters. When you are having a genital herpes outbreak you are much more contagious than when you are not although herpes can still be spread when there are no symptoms felt or seen.

You can also catch herpes through oral to genital contact, not just genital to genital. Herpes is a virus and just like a cold it can be easily spread from one person to another. Some of those who get herpes cold sores only get these painful blisters once while others get them throughout their entire lives. If you have ever had a cold sore then you have herpes and you always will, there is nothing that can be done to get rid of this herpes virus.

You can get herpes through any sort of contact and sexual contact is the most common way to transfer this virus. Any kind of sexual contact including genital, oral and even anal sexual contact will put you at risk.