All you need to know about herpes, the STD that can be spread through kissing

Herpes symptoms

• Blisters and sores: The most recognizable sign. Small, painful blisters or open sores can appear on the mouth (in the case of HSV-1) or genital and anal areas (for HSV-2). After bursting, these sores can leave ulcers that eventually heal.
• Pain and itching: Before and after blisters appear, the affected area can become painful or itchy.
• Flu-like symptoms: Especially during the first outbreak, some people experience fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Urination pain: Pain or a burning sensation during urination can occur, more commonly seen with genital herpes.
• Eye infection: In rare cases, HSV can infect the eye, leading to irritation, pain, and sensitivity to light.
• Asymptomatic: It’s worth noting again that many individuals infected with herpes may not show any symptoms at all or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed.