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Herpes incubation period contagious. Herpes Incubation Period: Understanding HSV Transmission and Symptoms

How long does it take for herpes symptoms to appear after exposure. What are the key differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2. Can herpes be transmitted during periods without visible symptoms. How can you reduce the risk of spreading herpes to partners.

The Basics of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide. There are two main types of HSV:

  • HSV-1: Primarily associated with oral herpes
  • HSV-2: Typically causes genital herpes

While these viruses have traditionally been linked to specific areas of the body, it’s important to note that both types can infect either the oral or genital regions. Understanding the basics of HSV is crucial for recognizing symptoms, managing outbreaks, and preventing transmission.

Herpes Incubation Period: From Exposure to Symptoms

The incubation period of herpes refers to the time between contracting the virus and the appearance of the first symptoms. For both HSV-1 and HSV-2, this period typically ranges from 2 to 12 days. However, most people start experiencing symptoms within 3 to 6 days after exposure.

Why does the incubation period matter? Understanding this timeframe can help individuals:

  1. Identify potential exposure sources
  2. Seek timely medical attention
  3. Take necessary precautions to prevent transmission to others

Factors Affecting Incubation Period

Several factors can influence the length of the herpes incubation period:

  • Individual immune system response
  • Viral load at the time of exposure
  • Type of HSV (HSV-1 or HSV-2)
  • Location of infection (oral or genital)

Does a longer incubation period mean a less severe infection? Not necessarily. The duration of the incubation period doesn’t directly correlate with the severity of symptoms or the frequency of future outbreaks.

Recognizing Herpes Symptoms: Beyond the Obvious

While herpes is often associated with visible sores, symptoms can be more subtle and varied. Common signs of a herpes infection include:

  • Tingling or itching sensation in the affected area
  • Small, painful blisters filled with clear fluid
  • Ulcers that form when blisters rupture
  • Scabs that develop as lesions heal
  • Flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes)

Is it possible to have herpes without noticeable symptoms? Yes, many people with HSV experience such mild symptoms that they may not realize they’re infected. This phenomenon, known as asymptomatic shedding, contributes to the unknowing spread of the virus.

The Lifecycle of Herpes: Latency and Outbreaks

Herpes follows a cyclical pattern of latency and outbreaks. After the initial infection and primary outbreak, the virus enters a dormant state within nerve cells. Periodically, it may reactivate, causing recurrent outbreaks.

How often do herpes outbreaks typically occur? The frequency of outbreaks varies greatly among individuals. On average, people experience 2 to 4 outbreaks per year, but some may have more frequent episodes while others can go years without a recurrence.

Triggers for Herpes Outbreaks

Several factors can trigger a herpes outbreak, including:

  • Stress
  • Illness or weakened immune system
  • Hormonal changes
  • Fatigue
  • Poor diet
  • Friction or injury to the affected area

By identifying personal triggers, individuals can take proactive steps to minimize the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

Transmission Risks: Understanding Contagious Periods

One of the most critical aspects of herpes management is understanding when the virus is contagious. Contrary to popular belief, herpes can be transmitted even when no visible symptoms are present.

During which stages of the herpes lifecycle is transmission most likely? The risk of transmission is highest during active outbreaks when sores are present. However, asymptomatic viral shedding can occur between outbreaks, making it possible to spread the virus without visible symptoms.

Asymptomatic Shedding: The Silent Spreader

Asymptomatic shedding occurs when the virus is active on the skin’s surface without causing noticeable symptoms. This phenomenon:

  • Can happen at any time
  • Is more frequent in the first year after infection
  • Occurs on an estimated 10% of days for HSV-2
  • Is less common but still possible for HSV-1

Understanding asymptomatic shedding underscores the importance of consistent precautions to prevent transmission, even when no symptoms are apparent.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing Herpes Transmission Risks

While there is no cure for herpes, several strategies can help reduce the risk of transmission:

  1. Abstain from sexual activity during outbreaks
  2. Use barrier methods (condoms, dental dams) consistently
  3. Consider antiviral medications to suppress viral shedding
  4. Communicate openly with partners about HSV status
  5. Practice good hygiene, especially during outbreaks

How effective are condoms in preventing herpes transmission? While not 100% effective, consistent condom use can significantly reduce the risk of herpes transmission. Studies suggest they may decrease transmission rates by up to 50%.

The Role of Antiviral Medications

Antiviral medications play a crucial role in herpes management and prevention. These drugs can:

  • Reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks
  • Decrease the duration of symptoms
  • Lower the risk of transmission to partners

Common antiviral medications for herpes include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These can be taken daily as suppressive therapy or episodically at the first sign of an outbreak.

Living with Herpes: Beyond the Stigma

A herpes diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, but it’s important to remember that it’s a manageable condition. Millions of people live healthy, fulfilling lives with HSV. Key aspects of living positively with herpes include:

  • Educating oneself about the condition
  • Seeking support from healthcare providers and support groups
  • Practicing self-care and stress management
  • Maintaining open communication with partners
  • Focusing on overall health and well-being

How can individuals cope with the emotional impact of a herpes diagnosis? Seeking counseling or joining support groups can be incredibly helpful. These resources provide a safe space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and realize that a herpes diagnosis doesn’t define one’s worth or future.

Debunking Herpes Myths

Misinformation about herpes can contribute to stigma and anxiety. It’s crucial to dispel common myths:

  • Myth: Herpes is always sexually transmitted
  • Fact: HSV-1 can be contracted through non-sexual contact, such as sharing utensils or kissing
  • Myth: People with herpes can’t have children
  • Fact: With proper medical care, individuals with herpes can have healthy pregnancies and children
  • Myth: Herpes always causes visible symptoms
  • Fact: Many people with HSV are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms

By understanding the facts about herpes, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and relationships.

Advancements in Herpes Research: Hope for the Future

While there is currently no cure for herpes, ongoing research offers hope for improved management and potential prevention strategies. Areas of active investigation include:

  • Development of therapeutic vaccines to reduce outbreak frequency and severity
  • Exploration of gene editing techniques to target the latent virus
  • Research into new antiviral compounds with improved efficacy
  • Studies on the interactions between HSV and the human immune system

What promising developments are on the horizon for herpes treatment? Several therapeutic vaccines are in clinical trials, aiming to boost the immune system’s ability to control the virus. While these may not provide a cure, they could offer significantly improved management options for those living with HSV.

The Importance of Continued Research

Ongoing research into herpes is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Improving quality of life for those affected by HSV
  2. Reducing transmission rates through better prevention strategies
  3. Developing more effective treatments with fewer side effects
  4. Understanding the long-term health implications of herpes infections
  5. Addressing the growing global burden of HSV infections

By supporting and staying informed about herpes research, individuals can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and treatment options for this common viral infection.

Herpes Incubation Period: Your HSV Questions Answered

Herpes Incubation Period: Your HSV Questions Answered

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Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph. D. — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on October 13, 2018

Overview

Herpes is a disease caused by two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV):

  • HSV-1 is generally responsible for cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth and on the face. Often referred to as oral herpes, it’s usually contracted by kissing, sharing lip balm, and sharing eating utensils. It can also cause genital herpes.
  • HSV-2, or genital herpes, causes blistering sores on the genitals. It’s usually contracted through sexual contact and can also infect the mouth.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 have an incubation period between transmission of the disease and appearance of symptoms.

Once you’ve contracted HSV, there will be an incubation period — the time it takes from contracting the virus until the first symptom appears.

The incubation period for HSV-1 and HSV-2 is the same: 2 to 12 days. For most people, the symptoms begin to show up in about 3 to 6 days.

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of people who contract HSV have such mild symptoms that they either go unnoticed or are mistakenly identified as a different skin condition. Bearing that in mind, herpes could go undetected for years.

HSV typically alternates between a latent stage — or a dormancy period in which there are few symptoms — and an outbreak stage. In the latter, the primary symptoms are easily identified. The average is two to four outbreaks a year, but some people can go years without an outbreak.

Once a person has contracted HSV, they can transmit the virus even during dormant periods when there are no visible sores or other symptoms. The risk of transmitting the virus when it’s dormant is less. But it’s still a risk, even for people who are receiving treatment for HSV.

The chances are low that a person can transmit HSV to someone else within the first few days following their initial contact with the virus. But because of HSV dormancy, among other reasons, not many people can pinpoint the moment they contracted the virus.

Transmission is common from contact with a partner who might not know they have HSV and isn’t showing symptoms of infection.

There is no cure for herpes. Once you’ve contracted HSV, it stays in your system and you can transmit it to others, even during periods of dormancy.

You can talk to your doctor about medications that can lower your chances of transmitting the virus, but physical protection, although not perfect, is the most reliable option. This includes avoiding contact if you’re experiencing an outbreak and using condoms and dental dams during oral, anal, and vaginal sex.

Last medically reviewed on June 12, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Genital herpes – CDC fact sheet (detailed) [Fact sheet].
    cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm
  • Genital herpes. (2018).
    hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/fact-sheets/sexually-transmitted-diseases/herpes/index.html
  •  Herpes simplex. (n.d.).
    medlineplus.gov/herpessimplex.html

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Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on October 13, 2018

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Herpes Incubation Period: HSV-1 and HSV-2

So you maybe came into contact with herpes and every lip tingle or down under discomfort has you buggin’ about the herpes incubation period. Repeat after us: Don’t 👏 freak 👏 out 👏.

What is the herpes incubation period?

An incubation period is the time it takes for a virus to become symptomatic (basically the time between exposure and symptoms).

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 have the same incubation period — the average is 4 days, but it can range from 2 to 12 days.

Was this helpful?

Here’s what to know about the herpes incubation period.

Herpes is a hella common disease that stems from two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV):

  • HSV-1 can cause cold sores in or around the mouth. In some cases it can also affect your vajayjay or peen. You can get this strain from a make out sesh, swapping makeup, or sharing utensils.
  • HSV-2 (aka genital herpes) can lead to blisters on your private bits, but it can also infect your mouth. You usually get it from sexual contact.

Oral herpes symptoms include:

  • blisters on the face
  • ulcers on the tongue
  • painful sores on the lips or around the mouth

Genital herpes symptoms include:

  • pain when peeing
  • itchy genitals
  • tiny white blisters, red bumps, or painful ulcers on the mouth, butt, thighs, anus, urethra, vagina, or penis

How long do symptoms last?

Symptoms can last for 2 to 4 weeks during your first outbreak. Thankfully, outbreaks can be less intense over time.

Pro tip: You might notice some crusting as the lesions heal. Don’t scratch the scabs! It can lead to scarring.

Was this helpful?

Herpes outbreaks vary from person to person. The average number of outbreaks for someone with HSV-1 is less than one a year, while those with HSV-2 might have 4 to 5 episodes. While that’s the average, peeps can go years without any issues.

When you don’t have any noticeable symptoms, the virus is in a dormant (or latent) stage.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You can still contract or transmit herpes even if the virus is dormant thanks to viral shedding. But, it’s easier to spread via a wet lesion because the fluid transmits it more effectively.

While the chances are slim, you CAN transmit herpes during the incubation period. Also, an estimated 90 percent of folks with herpes don’t realize they have it. So you might not know when you’re actually incubating.

How common is herpes?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates around 776,000 people in the U.S. will contract genital herpes every year.

In 2016, the World Health Organizations estimated 45 percent of peeps in the Americas had an HSV-1 infection (oral or genital).

Was this helpful?

If you run to the clinic the day after a possible transmission event, your results might not be legit. Herpes antibodies won’t show up until you’re out of the incubation period (2 to 12 days). But you don’t have to wait to be tested if you already have symptoms.

If you’re worried you came in contact with HSV, here are some tips:

  • Stop all sexual activity until you know for sure you don’t have herpes.
  • Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a clinic once the incubation period is over.
  • Remember, everything is going to be OK ❤️. Even if you have herpes, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Tests to diagnose herpes

There are four main tests to diagnose herpes:

  • Antibody tests look for HSV antibodies.
  • Viral culture tests determine if a sore contains the virus.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests screen your blood or a tissue sample for the virus.
  • Virus antigen detection tests detect a lesion for antigens (a substance that causes an immune response).

Your doc will let you know which test is best for you.

Was this helpful?

As of now, herpes has no cure. But there are lots of medications that can make it much more manageable.

Most herpes meds come in pill or cream form. Your doc may even give you a shot if the outbreak is severe.

Popular medications include:

  • acyclovir
  • famciclovir
  • valacyclovir

These options can lower the frequency and intensity of your outbreaks. They also reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Preventing herpes is all about being proactive.

If you’re in the throes of an HSV-1 outbreak:

  • Avoid direct physical contact with others. That includes oral sex, sex, and kissing. (Sorry fam.)
  • Don’t share anything that could spread the virus (e.g. towels, lipstick, silverware, or makeup).
  • Wash your hands 10/10 times after you touch the affected area.
  • Apply medicated creams with cotton pads to reduce direct contact with the ulcers.

If you have HSV-2 you should:

  • Avoid sexy time during an outbreak.
  • Use a condom or dental dam when the virus is dormant (keep in mind, the virus can still spread through skin-to-skin contact).
  • If your eggo is preggo, your doc might give you medication to prevent the virus from infecting your baby.

The herpes simplex virus has no cure. Once you get it, you’ll go through a 2 to 12 day incubation period before symptoms show up. You might experience several outbreaks a year, but it can also stay dormant for years.

Friendly PSA: With great sex comes great responsibility. Get tested for all STIs on the reg.

Genital herpes – Center for Reproductive Medicine ⚕️ Clinic of Aizyatulova

In the Medical Center “Clinic of Reproductive Medicine of Dr. Aizyatulova” the determination of the genital herpes virus (HH) is carried out using accurate modern methods of laboratory diagnostics. Individual treatment plans are drawn up depending on the severity of symptoms, the frequency of relapses and duration of the disease in accordance with approved world standards.

Facts:
  • Genital herpes is the 2nd most common sexually transmitted infection.
  • About 70% of the population, according to statistics, suffer from this disease.
  • Possible effective suppression of virus activity and maintenance of long-term remission in recurrent genital herpes.

ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISEASE

Two types of microorganisms are called the cause of genital herpes – herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), and in 80% of cases genital herpes is provoked by type 2. The incubation period lasts from 1 to 26 days (on average – about 2-10 days). The main factors for the emergence and development of the virus include: a large number of sexual partners throughout life, the early onset of sexual activity, the presence of sexually transmitted infections.

HOW IS GENITAL HERPES TRANSMITTED?

Infection possible through sexual contact. In couples where one partner already has the herpes virus, the chance of the second partner being infected within a year is about 10%. The peak incidence is recorded in the age group of 20–29 years.

According to statistics, women are infected with genital herpes much more often than men. It is especially easy to get genital herpes through sexual contact with a person who has an acute phase of the disease: rashes in the form of vesicles or sores. The transmission of the genital herpes virus from mother to fetus is not excluded. Other ways of infection are not confirmed by clinical studies.

SIGNS OF GENITAL HERPES

How does genital herpes manifest itself? There are 2 stages of the course of the disease.

MANIFESTOUS

Initially, the patient notes a sharp deterioration in general well-being, an increase in body temperature, pain and burning are felt in the area of ​​future rashes. These are the first symptoms of genital herpes. A few days later, small bubbles appear on the skin or mucous membranes, the cavity of which is filled with a clear liquid.

Genital herpes in women is manifested by a rash in the perineum, pubic area, on the labia, vaginal mucosa. In severe cases, herpes can spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, rectum.

Genital herpes in men is characterized by rashes in the inguinal region, on the head of the penis, foreskin, scrotum. When the vesicles open, bright red ulcers form in their place, healing after 7-14 days. During the healing period of sores with genital herpes, itching is possible.

In the future, the severity of signs of general malaise decreases, and unpleasant sensations in the rash area come to the fore. The rash occurs, as a rule, in the same place, but heals much faster than in the initial stage (in just 6-10 days).

RECURRENT

During the first year of genital herpes, exacerbations can occur relatively often – 4 – 5 times a year. The “trained immune system” is then usually able to deal with the virus. Chronic genital herpes recurs with a temporary decrease in the activity of the immune system due to external factors – colds, hypothermia, stressful situations, overwork, etc.

An asymptomatic course of the disease is also possible, when the rash is so slight that it is practically invisible to patients. In this case, genital herpes is also contagious, the likelihood of infection transmission is still high.

GENITAL HERPES IN PREGNANCY

Is genital herpes transmitted from mother to fetus in pregnant women? If the primary infection with the virus occurs during pregnancy, especially in the first half of it, then there is the possibility of the virus penetrating the fetus with the development of intrauterine infection and impaired fetal development. This is a formidable complication of genital herpes, and, fortunately, it is very rare.

If the virus was present in the body of a woman before pregnancy, then her immune system, already familiar with the herpes virus, effectively protects the fetus during pregnancy, and infection is possible only during childbirth, and then with the condition that at this moment the disease is in active phase. Therefore, it is especially important not to miss the recurrence of genital herpes activity during pregnancy in order to start treatment on time and prevent the transmission of the virus to the child during childbirth.

DIAGNOSIS OF GENITAL HERPES

Which doctor should I contact with genital herpes?

In the Medical Center “Clinic of Reproductive Medicine of Dr. Aizyatulova”, the diagnosis of this disease begins with a clinical examination by a specialized specialist (gynecologist or urologist), and is confirmed by laboratory tests. If necessary, a consultation of related specialists (immunologist) is carried out.

What tests should be done for genital herpes?

Laboratory diagnostics solves 2 tasks:

  • determine the presence of the herpes simplex virus or contact with it: for this, the patient’s blood, vaginal discharge, urethra, semen, urine are examined for the presence of antibodies to the herpes simplex virus in it, or particles of the virus itself;
  • to prove the “involvement” of these rashes in genital herpes: the material taken directly from the vesicles or ulcers is examined.

Also, in order to select effective therapy, it is necessary to accurately determine the type of pathogen – this question is answered by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

TREATMENT OF GENITAL HERPES

How to treat genital herpes? Unfortunately, there is currently no way to completely destroy the virus in the body, cure genital herpes once and for all. However, the specialists of the Medical Center “Clinic of Reproductive Medicine of Dr. Aizyatulova” have developed a treatment regimen that keeps the pathogen in an inactive state and significantly reduces the likelihood of a recurrence of genital herpes in men and women.

Treatment goals:

  • Removal of local manifestations – rash, painful sores, itching.
  • Fast relief of recurrence.
  • Strengthening the immune system, maintaining a long-term stable remission.

The complex of therapeutic measures includes:

  • Antiviral drugs – oral and topical, which are selected individually.
  • Prescription of immunomodulators, immunostimulants.

Patients with rare exacerbations should be treated episodic. For those who have a severe disease (frequent relapses due to the individual characteristics of the immune system – its low activity against the herpes virus), a long course of pharmacotherapy is indicated – systemic therapy.

TREATMENT OF GENITAL HERPES IN PREGNANCY

First of all, it should be noted that there is a group of antiviral drugs that can be used with complete safety for the developing fetus.

Indications for treatment:

  • primary infection during pregnancy,
  • occurrence of relapses of the disease and prevention of relapses before childbirth.

Given the possibility of an asymptomatic course of the disease during a relapse, it is necessary to conduct periodic examinations of a woman throughout pregnancy and, especially, in the last weeks before delivery.

By contacting the MC “Clinic of Reproductive Medicine of Dr. Aizyatulova”, you are guaranteed to receive qualified advice from a specialized specialist, an accurate diagnosis of your condition, effective treatment of the identified disease, prevention of exacerbations of genital herpes and its complications. Take care of your health – make an appointment with a gynecologist or urologist right now!

Genital herpes – symptoms and treatment ᐉ more details on the website

Herpes is a common viral disease that can affect anyone. There are two types of the virus – the first affects the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth, and the second – the genitals. It is he who is called genital herpes. What are the symptoms of the disease and how to treat it, we will tell further.

Summary of

Symptoms of disease

Basically, genital herpes is transmitted sexually. Self-infection can also occur (through the hands with the mucous membrane of the mouth or nose). Often the virus is transmitted from mother to child through the placenta or during childbirth.

The disease affects both men and women with equal frequency. In many people, the herpes virus lives in the body, but does not manifest itself in any way. However, with a decrease in immunity or other concomitant factors, the infected will feel the first symptoms of infection. These include:

  • blistering rash with clear contents on the genitals, anus and thighs;
  • general malaise, weakness;
  • severe itching and burning in the genital area;
  • swelling and redness of the genitals;
  • enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area;
  • temperature increase;
  • pain in the muscles of the groin, in the lumbar region;
  • frequent urge to urinate.

In women, genital herpes can be localized in the vagina and on the cervix. In men, the disease affects the glans penis, the foreskin, less often the scrotum and pubis.

After a few days, the blisters burst and form crusts. In their place, ulcers with purulent contents may occur. In case of accession of a viral infection, the course of the disease is complicated.

The usual incubation period is one to two weeks. If herpes is not treated, the disease will go into a more severe stage. The most common complications are reduced immunity, bacterial infections, damage to the nervous system, and cancer of the genital organs.

The virus can doze for a long time and not manifest itself. An exacerbation occurs due to hypothermia, stress, decreased immunity, with SARS.

Diagnosis of genital herpes

Diagnosing genital herpes on your own is difficult because you can confuse the symptoms with other diseases. Therefore, if any symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately. After an external examination, the doctor will send you for tests. The most effective are:

  • ELISA. The test shows the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus in the blood. Such an analysis allows you to determine whether a person is a carrier of the virus (even if he is in remission).
  • PCR. The test helps to detect the presence of the virus in the blood.

The doctor will determine the type of analysis.

Treatment of genital herpes

There is no cure for the herpes virus. However, with properly prescribed treatment, a person enters the stage of remission and gets rid of the manifestation of symptoms for a long time.

The following treatment is mainly used to stabilize the situation:

  • Antiviral therapy. These are drugs in the form of tablets – acyclovir or zovirax. Such medications suppress the reproduction and spread of the virus and stop the symptoms. Sometimes drugs are administered intramuscularly.
  • Ointments. Zinc, oxolinic, interfering agent will help relieve itching and accelerate the healing of external manifestations of the disease.
  • Candles. Women may be recommended special antiviral suppositories that will alleviate the condition and speed up recovery.

If you have an infection with herpes, your doctor may prescribe additional medicines. It is also recommended to take funds to strengthen the immune system.

Prevention of genital herpes

To avoid contracting genital herpes, you must be careful about sexual intercourse and avoid frequent partner changes. The use of condoms cannot 100% protect against the virus, since herpes can be transmitted through microcracks and injuries, but will significantly reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, it is best to have sex with a trusted partner and do not forget about protection.

If the virus is already living in the body, it is important to prevent relapses and exacerbations. To do this, do not overcool, do not forget about intimate hygiene, harden yourself and monitor a stable state of immunity.

Do you suspect you have genital herpes? You will need to consult a gynecologist or urologist. Make an appointment at the Good Doctor’s clinic. An attentive specialist will see you at a convenient time and prescribe the right treatment. The price of admission can be clarified at the reception or on the website.