How Common Herpes Really Is
Enough people have herpes to make it a totally commonplace infection, even though we may not treat it as one.
Nearly 48 percent of people aged 14 to 49 in the United States were estimated to have HSV-1 between 2015 and 2016, according to the most recent data from the CDC. This high prevalence makes sense because many people actually get the virus from nonsexual contact as children, the CDC explains. This can happen when a parent greets a child with a kiss on the mouth or while a kid is playing with other little ones, since children arent exactly known for their respect of personal space. Remember: HSV-1 often presents as cold sores, but its possible that some people with HSV-1 actually have genital herpes.
So, about genital herpes. You may have heard that one in six people has this infection. Thats a little bit of an outdated figure, Christine Johnston, M.D., an associate professor and herpes researcher at the University of Washington School of Medicine, tells SELF. That number is related to national survey data released by the CDC in 2010 and based on the years 2005 through 2008. This nationally representative research, published in the CDCs 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey , tested peoples blood samples for antibodies of HSV-1 and HSV-2, estimating that 16.2 percent of Americans aged 14 to 49 had HSV-2 between the years 2005 and 2008. Thats around one in six.
How To Read Your Results
Your HSV test results will likely be reported as negative or positive :
- Negative. The herpes virus was not found. However, you may still have an HSV infection if your results were negative. It may mean the sample didnt have enough virus to be detected. If you still have symptoms of herpes, you may need to order another test.
- Positive. HSV was found in your sample. It may mean you have an active infection or contracted the virus in the past .
If your test results are positive for HSV, talk with a doctor about your next steps.
How Does The At
At-home herpes tests take advantage of the fact that blood tests for herpes are widely available through commercial lab-testing sites. The vast majority of at-home herpes tests use the same tests that would be ordered at the doctors office, provided by the same laboratories. However, instead of going to a doctor, the tests are ordered online. This can be a good option for people who are uncomfortable discussing sexual behavior with their doctor or whose doctor is not willing to test for herpes.
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Why Choose Stdtestcom Over Free Std Testing
The answer is simple. Its for your health! If youve never taken an STD test before, if youve had multiple partners, if you have any questions at all about your risk for STDs, our easy testing process is here for you from beginning to end. Our simple service makes it easy to get tested, receive results and discuss any treatment with our medical team in a timely, confidential and helpful manner.
Where Can I Get Tested For Herpes
You can get tested for herpes and other STDs at your doctors office, a community health clinic, the health department, or your local Planned Parenthood health center.
STD testing isnt usually part of your regular checkup or gynecologist exam you have to ask for it. Be honest with your nurse or doctor so they can help you figure out which tests are best for you. Dont be embarrassed: Your doctor is here to help you, not to judge you.
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Heres Why Doctors Dont Usually Test For Herpes
Its basically a SELF mantra at this point: Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections is hella important. Is it the most delightful way to spend your time? No. Is it a vital part of looking after your health, sexual and otherwise? Absolutely.
When you go in for routine STI testing, you might realize that your doctor doesnt test you for herpes. Whats that about? As it turns out, testing for herpes isnt as straightforward as testing for something like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Here, doctors explain why herpes isnt usually included on STI panels.
Why Doctors Dont Automatically Test You For Herpes
OK, clearly herpes is super common. So why dont doctors automatically test for it when you ask to get tested for everything? To answer that question, its important to understand the difference between STI testing and STI screening. Testing is done when you have symptoms, whereas screening is done in the absence of symptomsjust to check to see if youve been exposed.
Doctors will screen for STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia even in the absence of symptoms. This is key from a public health perspective because catching these infections in time can prevent serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease. This happens when an untreated STI like gonorrhea or chlamydia infects reproductive organs, possibly leading to infertility.
Experts dont screen for herpes for a few reasons.
The U.S. Preventative Task Force has recommended against screening asymptomatic adolescents and adults for HSV infections. The rationale is that there is no health benefit thats been proven and there a couple of risks, Dr. Johnston says. One is a false positive test, and the second is a risk of anxiety is not associated with serious health outcomes, yet its still feared.
Even pregnant people who could theoretically risk passing the virus during childbirth are not screened unless they have a history of herpes outbreaks or a current outbreak, Peter Leone, M.D., of UNCs Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, tells SELF.
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How We Chose The Best At
When researching at-home herpes tests, we considered online reviews, privacy protocols, result times, result accuracy, and budget.
We prioritized affordable pricing and accessibility to digital results. Additionally, we kept an eye on user ratings and reviews to ensure that most people received accurate results and were happy with their experience.
How To Choose The Right Herpes Test For You
Every herpes test has its own benefits and drawbacks. Its best to discuss your options with a medical professional to make the right choice for your healthcare needs.
It may be helpful to choose your herpes test based on your symptoms. Early in the disease, before a clear herpes outbreak appears, some test methodologies like a PCR test and an antibody blood test can yield false-negative results. On the other hand, a viral culture may yield false-negative results later in the disease.
If you want to receive test results that provide a comprehensive evaluation of your infection, consider using multiple herpes testing methods. If getting a rapid result is your priority, a PCR test is the fastest option.
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Signs Of A Herpes Outbreak
Once you contract genital herpes, the virus can lie dormant in your body for years, or you may experience your first break out right away. When herpes is active, lesions that are similar to small blisters appear. You may also notice soreness, redness and itching in your genital area.
Herpes lesions can occur anywhere in your genital region, and they can also appear in your mouth if you contract the virus through oral sex. While a first outbreak is usually quite uncomfortable, subsequent outbreaks tend to be less severe. It is also possible that you may not notice any symptoms, yet you can still transmit the virus to others so it’s important to get a herpes test.
Genital herpes treatment is aimed at reducing the severity and frequency of outbreaks so that you improve the quality of your life.
What Does The Rapid Herpes Test For
The Rapid Herpes Simplex Virus 1/2 test for the presence of the virus DNA in the blisters and ulcers.
The test detects both HSV 1 and 2 at the same time and can differentiate them.
Our clinics offer this rapid test whereby results are available by the next following day.
Thus facilitating prompt and appropriate treatment.
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What Should I Do If My Test Results Are Positive
Many at-home services have independent physicians or nurses reach out to people with positive test results. Theyll discuss your results with you and suggest a plan of action, possibly including medication.
If your results are positive, its important to let any recent sexual partners know so they can also get tested.
What Kind Of Insurance Is Accepted At Urgent Care Facilities
Wondering how much youll have to pay out of pocket for a quick trip to a walk in care facility for an STD test? While out-of-pocket expenses differ depending on your insurance plan, you can typically expect to pay much less than you would if you went to a private practice or if you visited your primary care doctor. Under the Affordable Care Act, many insurances cover STD testing for free or a reduced price.
The best thing for you to do is connect with your insurance provider to see what urgent care centers and services are covered under your plan. If you have Medicaid, CityLife Health takes your insurance.
Paying for you and your familys medical care should never be a burden. At CityLife Health we accept all Medicaid plans, to help make your visit affordable and stress-free. If you have questions about paying for your healthcare services, give us a call! Were happy to help you navigate your options and find a financial solution that works for you. We accept credit cards for self pay to help accommodate everyone needing quality healthcare in and around the Greater Philadelphia area.
If you have any questions regarding STDs, urgent care services, insurance coverageor if you just want to learn more about the different Medicaid plans we acceptbe sure to contact us or visit one of our three locations. Were here to answer any questions you may have and help you become the healthiest version of yourself.
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Genital Herpes Treatment In Pregnancy
You may be offered antiviral treatment:
- to treat outbreaks in pregnancy
- from 36 weeks to reduce the chance of an outbreak during birth
- from diagnosis until the birth if you first get herpes after 28 weeks of pregnancy
Many women with genital herpes have a vaginal delivery. You may be offered a caesarean, depending on your circumstances.
Std Testing & Clinics
Do you happen to notice rashes, sores, or bumps around your genital areas? Or maybe you have a constant fever or headache that just wont let you rest well. If these are some recurring symptoms you are experiencing, perhaps its time for you to go for an STD test. And what better way to get tested in private than with STD Testing Now?
If you are here, you may already be experiencing one or many of the STD-related symptoms. In most cases, these STD symptoms may not actually be due to an STD but a common fungal or bacterial infection. However, you need to make sure about what youre dealing with here, and we are ready to help you with just that.
By opting to do an STD check with us, you are probably making a smart move. As you browse through our website, you will find an array of services our partners provide when it comes to an STD check. Not only that, but we have our partner labs spread in as many as 4,500 locations. So, looking for STD testing near me shouldnt be a problem with us.
You dont have to worry about which test you should opt for when it comes to us. Thats right. By visiting a STD clinic, you can opt for tests like an oral herpes test, hepatitis B test, mycoplasma genitalium test, gonorrhea test, hepatitis C test, chlamydia test, genital herpes test, HPV test, and hepatitis A test, among others. You will also have the opportunity to go for HIV testing when you choose us for your STD testing needs.
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Detect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 And 2 With A Single Test
With over 43,000 HIV & Rapid STD tests done, our clinic has the experience to detect sexually transmitted diseases and infections accurately.
This is a new STD Herpes Testing offered by DTAP Clinics that offer rapid and accurate testing for Herpes Simples Virus 1 and 2 concurrently which are the cause of oral herpes and genital herpes. It detects both the virus from samples taken from the blisters and ulcers using PCR technology similar to that used in diagnosis of COVID-19.
Diagnosis of active herpes infection previously takes more than 1 week for the results to be available and as a result treatment may be delayed. With this rapid test now available, you can be diagnosed with herpes by next working day and you can start on treatment earlier and suffer less.
This is different from the usual HSV 1 and HSV 2 antibody blood test which may not accurately tell you whether the blisters/ ulcers you have are due to HSV 1/2.
- We adhere to guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Health Singapore.
- We offer only the Health Sciences Authority approved rapid test kits.
- Our male & female doctors are trained and fully certified to conduct specialised Herpes Testing.
- All our STD / Herpes Testing clinics adopt a discreet and professional approach during doctors consultation.
When Should I Get Tested
The best time to get tested for herpes if you havent had an initial outbreak is 12 days after exposure. This is because your body will have had time to produce antibodies that can be detected on a test.
A blood test can determine whether you have these antibodies.
Swabs, on the other hand, can detect the virus directly from an active herpes lesion.
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How To Avoid Herpes Infection
Condoms cut the risk of getting or passing on herpes if they cover the affected area.
Other types of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections .
Wash your hands after touching blisters, especially before handling contact lenses because herpes can cause an eye infection.
Avoid things that trigger herpes outbreaks such as a lack of sleep, sunbathing or stress.
Having herpes could make it easier for someone to get or pass on HIV. But if HIV drugs have made your viral load undetectable then you cannot pass on HIV.
What Are The Risks Associated With Herpes
If you have symptoms for Herpes, the use of condoms might not protect your sexual partner from getting the virus from your infected areas that are not covered by the condom. Therefore, it is advised to abstain from sex if you have symptoms.
Neonatal Herpes can occur in rare cases and might lead to lasting neurologic disability or even death of the infant. Pregnant women who get their first viral infection during late pregnancy are at a higher risk of acquiring the disease than those infected prior to pregnancy.
The symptoms and pains associated with recurrence of Herpes might lead to psychological distress, which could negatively affect the quality of life and sexual relationships of infected individuals.
If Herpes is left untreated, there is an increased risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
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How Do Healthcare Providers Test For Herpes
How are you tested for herpes at a clinic or healthcare providerâs office? Healthcare providers will examine the location and severity of any active blisters or sores around the mouth or genital area. They may take a tissue sample of the sores to send to a laboratory for examination. A blood sample will be needed if an antibody test is used to check whether you have been infected with the herpes virus.
Std Tests At Citylife Health Vs A Private Practice
You do not have to go through your primary care provider or a private practice to get tested for an STD. When finding the perfect urgent care facility for your needs and budget, be sure to find a partner in healthcare that you can depend on to deliver quick results, clear answers, as well as a helping hand on getting and staying healthy after dealing with an STD.
At CityLife Health, STD tests are quick and painless! We make it our priority to deliver fast, friendly, and convenient service to ensure that our patients feel supported and involved in decisions regarding their health. Our healthcare professionals are here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide top-tier care to patients in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Our clinic offers a large array of STD testing and treatment services conducted by highly-trained staff. We keep your best interests at the forefront of every diagnosis that our providers make and every prescription they write. Our goal is to help you feel informed, empowered, and confident about your sexual health, even if you are not experiencing any physical symptoms and are simply looking for routine care.
After the initial exam, your healthcare professional may require you to give a urine and/or blood sample to help pin-point a proper diagnosis. Once the results are back from the lab, your provider will better understand your symptoms and assign a proper diagnosis.
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Best For New Symptoms: Plushcare
PlushCare
Why We Chose It: If you think you may have herpes symptoms for the first time, blood tests are not accurate. Its best to see a doctorand PlushCare offers that from home because PlushCare is a telemedicine provider.
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Accepts insurance from several major companies
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A doctor may be able to diagnose you with herpes without testing, which is faster and less expensive than other options
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Meeting with a doctor allows you to ask questions and get educated about your sexual health concerns
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PlushCare is a telemedicine provider. It may be a good option for people who also need other online or at-home healthcare
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A doctor visit is required to access testing
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Youre not actually buying a herpes test. If your doctor doesnt think you need one, you may not be offered one
When you use PlushCare for STI testing, youre not purchasing an at-home herpes test. Instead, you are making a virtual appointment with a doctor to discuss your concerns about herpes and other STIs. Then, if the doctor thinks a test is warranted, he or she will write an order for a test and send you to fill it. Results are usually communicated to the doctor within three to five days, and then the doctor will follow up with you by telehealth and provide treatment or further testing as appropriate.