Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: November 26, 1999
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I think that I might have contracted oral herpes. What are the signs and symptoms of this disease?
Signed: Herpes - An Oral Outbreak
Dear Herpes - An Oral Outbreak,
Oral Herpes is a common oral infection that causes fever blisters or cold sores usually found around the mouth or facial area. These sores are usually painful and may ooze with a clear or yellow fluid and then scab over. Other symptoms of the virus are fatigue, fever or swollen glands. People infected with the Herpes virus can have repeated episodes of cold sores while under stress, during menstruation (period), with overexposure to the sun, and with illnesses such as colds.
Most oral herpes infections are caused by the Herpes Simplex I virus, while most genital herpes infections are caused by the Herpes Simplex II virus. Herpes Simplex I (oral herpes) infections usually result from contact with oral secretions or cold sores. Herpes Simplex II (genital herpes) usually results from contact with infected genital lesions or secretions.
There is no cure for Herpes, but there are treatments that can shorten and prevent future outbreaks, and help to relieve the pain. Oftentimes, the Herpes I virus can go into a sleeping mode or dormant stage in the body. This means that although you do not have any symptoms, you still do carry the virus and may have future outbreaks.
In order to prevent giving this virus to someone else, do not kiss or open mouth kiss anyone while you are having an outbreak of cold sores/fever blisters. Do not perform oral sex while having an outbreak because the Herpes 1 virus can be transmitted to the pelvic area. Also, avoid oral sex and sexual intercourse with anyone having a herpes outbreak.
For more information on Herpes, check out TeenHealthFX's question, What's Herpes?. If you still have questions or worries, please speak to your doctor about it. Just a note, many people have oral herpes and it is not always sexually transmitted. If you or anyone you know is worried that you may have the Herpes I or II virus ( in the genital region) or any other Sexually Transmitted Disease, please contact your local teen health center.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
About 44% of rape victims are under age 18. Three out of every twenty victims (15%) are under age 12. 
