Herpes

Herpes is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that’s spread by a virus. The most common symptom of genital herpes is a cluster of blistery sores, but many teens with herpes have no symptoms. Herpes can’t be cured, but treatments can help the sores heal faster, make outbreaks less common, and make it less likely to pass the virus to other people. Condoms can reduce your risk of getting herpes, but they don’t  provide perfect protection because the virus can be transmitted to skin that’s not covered.

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Life with Herpes

Who gave this to me? Will I ever have sex again? What did I do to deserve this? Will anyone want me when they find out?

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teen girl

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Q:
Can I spread herpes to my boyfriend if we have sex at a time when I don't have the sores?
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Q:
Is there a cure for genital herpes? And how do you know if someone has them?
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Q:
Is it possible to have herpes if you’ve never had sores?
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