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Learn More about Genital Herpes

Is genital herpes serious?
HSV-2 usually produces mild symptoms, and most people with HSV-2 infection have no recognized symptoms. However, HSV-2 can cause recurrent painful genital ulcers in many adults, and HSV-2 infection can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. Regardless of the severity of symptoms, genital herpes frequently causes psychological distress among people who know they are infected.
In addition, HSV-2 can cause potentially fatal infections in infants if the mother is shedding the virus at the time of delivery. It is important that women avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy, because a first episode during pregnancy creates a greater risk of transmission to the newborn. If a woman has active genital herpes at delivery, a cesarean-section delivery is usually performed. Fortunately, infection of an infant is rare among women with HSV-2 infection.
HSV-2 may play a major role in the heterosexual spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Herpes can make people more susceptible to HIV infection and can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious.
Learn More about Genital Herpes

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