Herpes isnt deadly and it usually doesnt cause any serious health problems. While herpes outbreaks can be annoying and painful, the first flare-up is usually the worst. For many people, outbreaks happen less over time and may eventually stop completely.

Can herpes destroy your life?

Herpes is manageable, treatable and it doesnt have to ruin your life.

Does herpes have long term effects?

Does herpes cause long-term effects? The signs and symptoms of herpes can sometimes go unnoticed - or they may not occur at all. So, without regular sexual health testing, its possible to have the virus and not know, meaning it may go untreated and could cause long-term effects.

Do you have to live with herpes for the rest of your life?

People who contract HSV will have the virus for the rest of their lives. Even if it does not manifest symptoms, the virus will continue to live in nerve cells. Some people may experience regular outbreaks. Others will only experience one outbreak after they contract the virus, and then the virus may become dormant.

Can herpes make you sick?

During the first outbreak (called primary herpes), you may experience flu-like symptoms. These include body aches, fever, and headache. Many people who have a herpes infection will have outbreaks of sores and symptoms from time to time.