Genital herpes is one of the most common and worrisome infection that a sexually active person can pick up. Closely related to the cold sores or fever blisters, genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2.

It is less common yet more dangerous than the type 1 variant. What makes it dangerous is that there are very few people who show the real symptoms, they are often mistaken for other problems and actual treatment may be delayed. Listed here are six facts you need to know about this disease:

1. It appears as a cluster of small fluid-filled blisters that break, forming painful sores that crust and heal during several days. The penis, scrotum, vagina, vulva, urethra, anus, thighs, and buttocks are the areas where they can appear.

2. For many people the classic symptoms might be missing. It may seem like a razor burn, pimples, bug bites, jock itch, hemorrhoids, an ingrown hair, or a vaginal yeast infection. In such cases treatment is often delayed.

3. The first time this disease strikes you is the worst. After that a person can get up to two outbreaks in a lifetime.

4. If you suspect having herpes then get a blood test done so that the doctors can prescribe the right antiviral for you.

5. Oral sex with a person having herpes can give you genital herpes and vice versa.

6. Genital herpes is contagious even when there are no symptoms. While not life threatening by itself, the disease puts you in danger of an HIV infection.