Head pain and genital herpes may seem like two unrelated conditions, but if you have experienced symptoms of herpes and headaches at the same time, you’ve probably asked the question, “can herpes cause headaches?”
The short answer is yes. Herpes can cause headaches as well as other flu-like symptoms. Keep reading to learn about other common symptoms of genital herpes, and what to do when you are experiencing these symptoms along with headaches.
Herpes Symptoms: Headaches and More…
Genital herpes is an infection caused by either type one or type two of the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus type one (HSV-1) typically causes oral herpes, and can also cause genital herpes. However, genital herpes is more often caused by the herpes simplex virus type two (HSV-2). Both types of the virus can cause headaches.
Along with headaches and flu-like symptoms, the herpes simplex virus can also cause:
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Tingling, itching, or burning around the genitals
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Blisters that break open and cause painful sores
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Pain from urine contact with sores
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Backaches
Treatment Options
Although there is no cure for herpes, there are treatments that can make the virus more manageable and prevent frequent recurrence of symptoms. Antiviral medications, such as Acyclovir, Famciclovir, and Valacyclovir, may be prescribed to lessen the severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, may be taken to relieve pain caused by the headaches and flu symptoms.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of herpes but have not been diagnosed, a trip to your local FastMed could be in order. We offer STD testing at each of our urgent care locations, and while there is not currently a good screening test for herpes, our medical professionals will be able to assess and review your health history, assess your symptoms, and provide you with a diagnosis.
If our medical professionals determine you need to be seen by a specialist, we will make the appointment for you and send them your health records, ensuring you get the best care possible, even after you exit our doors.
About FastMed
FastMed Urgent Care owns and operates nearly 200 centers in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas that provide a broad range of acute/episodic and preventive healthcare services 365 days a year. FastMed also provides workers’ compensation and other occupational health services at all its centers, and family and sports medicine services at select locations. FastMed has successfully treated more than six million patients and is the only independent urgent care operator in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas to be awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information about locations, services, hours of operation, insurance and prices, visit www.fastmed.com.