An individual may carry and transmit the virus without knowing it. Up to 90 percent of sexual partners of infected people also become infected. Yearly pap smears for all sexually active women is recommended. This viral illness causes single or multiple painful sores on the genitalia of men and women. Affected individuals may experience one or more recurrences of the painful rash months or years later.
Recurrences are usually less severe than primary attacks.
Although there is no cure for this infection, Acyclovir, a relatively expensive oral medication, does shorten the duration of symptoms as well as the length of time the virus is present externally. The herpes virus causes common cold sores on the lips and can be transmitted to a sexual partner by kissing or oral sex. The incidence of syphilis is on the rise in the U.S. and is highest among urban populations, especially in persons 15-39 years of age, drug users and HIV infected individuals. Previously more common among homosexuals, the incidence is increasing in the heterosexual population. The early symptom of syphilis is a painless sore on the genitalia or elsewhere.