SYMPTOMS:
Painful, itching sores on or around genitals.  Painful or frequent need to urinate.  Flu-like symptoms.

HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?:
Sex.

IS IT CURABLE?:
No. The symptoms may go away, but the person still carries the virus, and can pass it on to other sex partners.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT:
Diagnosis is made by examination of genital sores and laboratory analysis.  Treatment with Acyclovir, a prescription medication, can relieve herpes symptoms.  Infected wormen should have a pap test once a year, to detect |any cancer.  Pregnant women should inform their health-care provider that they have genital herpes and get close medical supervison during pregnancy.