It is caused by a virus. It spread from person to person by close physical contact during vaginal, anal and oral sex. Then it develops a scab, heals and goes away. Sores last 2 to 3 weeks. Swollen glands, fever and a general achy feeling may occur along with the sores.
Many people get herpes and don t know it because they never have symptoms.
Symptoms can occur within 2 to 30 days after exposure. Sores can also appear months or even years after exposure. You get herpes by direct contact with the virus. Hundreds or thousands of these tiny viruses are in each sore. Active herpes virus can be on the skin from the first warning signs until the sore is completely gone.