Most people who have herpes do not realise they have it until the onset of severe symptoms – 3 in 4 of people are asymptomatic or only show mild symptoms.

Once you have become infected with Herpes simplex Virus, the following cycle will occur.

1. Inflammation – the infected area will become swollen and red, and some people may experience tingles.

2. Blisters – blisters will rise up from the infected area. These will be filled with fluid.

3. Ulcers – after the blisters have appeared, the skin will eventually break. Small wet looking ulcers will appear leak white or clear fluid.

4. Crusting – the is is the start of the healing process. The blisters and ulcers will turn into scabs. When the scabs have cleared, this episode of herpes is past. However, the virus still remains in the body and it will reoccur.

Some people may only experience one outbreak, others will experience multiple. The first outbreak is usually the worst, with subsequent outbreaks being less severe. Herpes outbreaks can be triggered by stress, illness and fatigue.

Symptoms do not usually appear as soon as you are infected. It may take months or even years for the outbreak of herpes I to appear. It usually takes between 2 to 20 days before any outbreaks develop.

Once you have the HSV-2 virus it will remain in your body for life. But while it is not curable, it is manageable. However, if genital herpes is left untreated it increases the risk of the following:

• Genital herpes cause painful sores in many adults, but those who have suppressed immune systems suffer severe pain.
• Herpes simplex II can transfer to other parts of the body if a person touches their sore, or the fluid from the sores, and then touches another part of their body.
• Genital herpes have been linked to the transfer of HIV. The sores can bleed easily and when the blood comes into contact with the mouth, vagina or rectum during sex, HIV can be passed from one sexual partner to the other.
• Miscarriage and premature birth can be a result of untreated genetal herpes.
• If left untreated in an expectanct mother, genital herpes can be passed from mother to child resulting neonatal herpes, a potentially fatal infection.

There is no treatment that can cure herpes. Antiviral medications can, however, prevent or shorten outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition, daily suppressive therapy (i.e., daily use of antiviral medication) for herpes can reduce the likelihood of transmission to partners. Confidante Home testing kit is made by Randox Health.