There are many myths and misunderstandings about Herpes viral infection. The term "Herpes" generally refers to a sexually-transmitted, double-stranded DNA virus called Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 2 (also known as Human Herpesvirus 2, or HHV2).  This virus is closely related to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1 or HHV1), which is the cause of common nonsexually-transmitted cold sores.   
What are the         symptoms?
*Herpes infections, whether initial or recurring, are usually first felt as a tingling and/or itching sensation in the affected location.  These initial feelings are usually followed, depending on how severe the infection is, by the emergence of a raised or swollen area on the skin.  This swollen area then becomes painful in general, but acutely sore when touched, stretched or moved.  Eventually the sore area will abscess and emit a virus laden clear fluid for several days before scabbing over.  Once scabbed over, the lesion will usually heal completely within a period of a week to ten days.  There may be prodromal symptoms like fever, body ache, etc. Skin appears irritated.  Oral herpes lesions typically occur on the lips, on the fixed mucosa inside the mouth, including the hard palate (roof of the mouth) and gingiva (gums), but can occur almost anywhere on the face. 
In case of Genital Herpes Viral infection, prodromal symptoms, itching in affected area, sore appears, lesion begins to heal, usually without scarring.  In males, the lesions may occur in the genital region, on the inner thigh, buttocks or anus.  In females, lesions may occur on or near the genital region, buttocks or anus.  The appearance of Herpes lesions and the experience of outbreaks in these areas vary tremendously among individuals.  Symptoms of a genital outbreak may include aches and pains in the area, discharge and severe discomfort and burning when urinating. 
Can stress trigger an outbreak?
*It is believed that physical and emotional stress can trigger an outbreak of Genital herpes in some people.  Stress can compromise your immune system.  Getting adequate rest, exercising regularly and eating well are all great ways to reduce stress and strengthen your immune system.  Local injuries to the face, lips, eyes or mouth, as through trauma, surgery, or sunburns are well established triggers of recurrent orolabial herpes due to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). 
Can it cause sores and itching that do not go away?
*Genital herpes may cause symptoms during an outbreak, but it generally goes away after the outbreak.  Some people have recurring outbreaks from time to time.  Some people have outbreaks with no symptoms at all.  Usually, after several years, people experience fewer or no outbreaks.
How is it             transmitted?
*Herpes can be contracted through direct skin contact with an infected person.  The virus travels through tiny breaks in the skin or mucous membranes in the mouth (HSV-1) and genital areas (HSV-2), however healthy skin and mucous membranes are normally an effective barrier to infection.  In case of mucous membranes, even microscopic abrasions are sufficient to expose the nerve endings. 
Can a person get Genital Herpes from a toilet seat?
*There is a basis in fact that herpes could be transmitted via an inanimate object such as a toilet seat or wet towel but the conditions required for this kind of transmission (high heat, high moisture and a vulnerable exposure site) make it extremely unlikely.   
Can Herpes make a person sterile?
*Genital herpes can't make a person sterile. 
Can you have             children?
*You can still have healthy children.  If there are sores present at the time of birth, a caesarean section will be performed.  If there aren't any symptoms, then it is likely that there will be no virus present in the birth canal.  The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about it immediately upon knowledge of pregnancy.  

The author is a Consulting Dermatologist and can be contacted on 23131257 or by E-mail : vandanjp@hotmail.com