Herpes is a sexually-transmitted disease caused by the Herpes Simplex one and two viruses.  The infection of this disease may manifest in the oral region through irritations, sores, blisters, and lesions usually on the lips, the gums and inside the mouth, although it may show up anywhere on the face area.  It may also manifest in the genital area through sores and lesions, accompanied by an itching sensation.  Lesions may occur on the shaft of the penis, the inner thighs, buttocks and anus for males; the pubis, labia, clitoris, vulva, buttocks and anus for females.

Symptoms of an infection usually include a tingling, itching sensation on the outbreak area, which is followed by swollenness on the skin.  This will become progressively painful, and will eventually pop to release a virus-infested fluid before healing.  The infected person may experience flu-like symptoms and swollen glands for about a week.  Outbreaks of the disease may recur, with each recurrence more severe than the previous one.

The Herpes virus may be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person.  The virus permeates the tiny breaks in the skin, the mouth and the genitals.  It is important then for active sexual partners to use condoms (preferably latex condoms) before having intercourse in order to prevent an infection.  Durex condoms are reliable and tough; they undergo multiple tests to ensure durability.

Herpes is 25% fatal in recorded cases, but can cause death to a newborn which went through an infected birth canal.  It is fatal in adults if the virus reaches the brain, causing encephalitis and/or meningitis.  It can be transmitted at any time, even if the infected person does not manifest any symptoms.  The best possible way to prevent genital infection is through the use of condoms before intercourse.  Latex condoms block the virus from coming in contact with the skin of an uninfected person.  While there is currently no cure for herpes, there are a lot of ways of preventing an infection, such as abstinence when symptoms of an infection are present; avoiding cross-infection from one site of contamination to an uninfected site; using gentle and lubricated durex condoms during sex; proper genital hygiene; proper stress management (as symptoms manifest themselves under extreme stress periods); enough sleep and proper nutrition; and using a lip protectant or lip gloss as the virus may be transmitted through the dry cracks in the lips.

The long-term effects of the virus are relatively unknown except for blister scars left on the infected person.  It also may be a contributing factor to the risk of cervical cancer in women.  Infected persons are at a high risk of HIV transmission due to the presence of open blisters and lesions as symptoms.  Newborn babies who pass through an infected birth canal may acquire multiple complications such as loss of sight, severe mental retardation, serious neurological damage, and in worst cases, death.  There is no recorded case of sterility due to an infection from the herpes virus, and it is highly possible for persons who show no symptoms of the disease to suddenly manifest signs of infection.