Herpes Simplex Virus 2

Hello, my name is HSV-2.
I'm a double stranded DNA virus (I'm made up of 2 DNA parts).
I'm part of the Herpesviridae family.
Us herpes viruses make our homes in your nerves.
Once we get in, we stick around for the rest of your life.

I cause genital herpes, a very common STI.
First you get a primary infection, with red blisters and an itching or burning as I play with your nerves.
You can also feel headache or fever.

Later on, I travel back down to visit your skin, giving you more itching and blisters.
This can happen if you are stressed, sick, or when women are menstruating.