Viral infection causing painful blisters, caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Herpes (HSV)
Viral infection causing painful blisters, caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2
Herpes is caused by two types of viruses: HSV-1 (typically oral herpes) and HSV-2 (typically genital herpes), though both can infect either area.
The virus causes painful blisters or sores and remains in the body for life, with periodic outbreaks.
While there is no cure, antiviral medications can reduce outbreak frequency and severity, and reduce transmission risk.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
Care can range from monitoring and fluids to prescribed treatment, infection-control measures and follow-up. Ask whether antibiotics or other medicine are actually indicated and how to prevent spread.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
Symptoms
- Painful blisters or sores
- Itching or tingling before outbreak
- Flu-like symptoms during first outbreak
- Painful urination
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Recurrent outbreaks
Possible causes
- Skin-to-skin contact with infected area
- Sexual contact
- Oral-genital contact
- Mother to baby during delivery
- Sharing personal items
Care and treatment options
- Antiviral medications (Acyclovir, Valacyclovir)
- Suppressive therapy for frequent outbreaks
- Pain management
- Keeping sores clean and dry
- Avoiding triggers
Key points
- Very common infection
- Lifelong infection
- Manageable with medication
- Can be transmitted without symptoms
- Not curable but treatable
Preparing for a consultation
- Fever readings and timing of symptoms.
- Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures.
- Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines.
- Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell.
Questions worth asking
- Is Herpes (HSV) the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Herpes (HSV)?
Viral infection causing painful blisters, caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2 This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Herpes (HSV)?
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Antiviral medications (Acyclovir, Valacyclovir), Suppressive therapy for frequent outbreaks, Pain management, Keeping sores clean and dry. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Herpes (HSV) be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Fever readings and timing of symptoms. Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures. Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines. Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Herpes (HSV) can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.