Thursday, March 28, 2024

Best Way To Test For Herpes

Treatment The First Time You Have Genital Herpes

Apollo Hospitals | All You Need To Know About Herpes | Dr. Ravikiran Barigala

You may be prescribed:

  • antiviral medicine to stop the symptoms getting worse you need to start taking this within 5 days of the symptoms appearing
  • cream for the pain

If you have had symptoms for more than 5 days before you go to a sexual health clinic, you can still get tested to find out the cause.

Get The Facts About Men And Stds

At any given time there are about 50 million men living with an STD in the United States, many of who are unaware of their condition due to the absence of signs and symptoms. This makes the STD testing process particularly tricky for men, as they often do not know they are infected and need to be treated. If a male does show signs and symptoms of an STD, then the type of test needed to cure the STD is dependent on the type of infection being tested for. The main three testing methods are urine sample, body fluid sample, and/or blood sample. The turn around time for results depends on the infection being tested for.

Some of the most severe STDs do not show any signs or symptoms, yet put a person at risk of severe illness and spreading their infection. Whether you are experiencing symptoms or not, if you are a sexually active male with multiple sex partners or if you are unsure about your sexual health, it is always a good idea to get routine STD screenings every 3 to 6 months.

Best For Service Extras: Stdcheckcom

STDcheck.com

  • Cheaper single HSV type test may not find all genital herpes

  • Doctor consultations only available if you test positive

  • Insurance not accepted

STDcheck.com allows people to order sexually transmitted infection tests online and then go to a local lab for testing .

Over 4,500 testing locations are available nationwide, and most people will be able to find a site that is convenient for them. After the test is ordered, you go to the lab and have your blood drawn. The lab sends it for analysis and, in a few days, you can access your results by phone or online.

The test for HSV-1 and HSV-2 is $79, and a variety of other, more comprehensive STI testing options are also available. Telephone doctor consultations are free for individuals who test positive.

One benefit of this service: The website also offers a tool to send anonymous text alerts to previous sexual partners to suggest they get tested.

Recommended Reading: How Can I Prevent Genital Herpes Outbreaks

Herpes Testing : What Are Your Options

Medically reviewed by Michele Emery, DNP

Are you worried you might have been exposed to the herpes virus?

First: don’t panic. The HSV viruses are a lot more common than you may think, and are very manageable in most cases.

Second: if you think youve been exposed to the herpes virus, testing is going to be your first plan of action.

Take a couple deep breaths and when you’re ready, read on.

Suppressive Therapy For Recurrent Hsv

LetsGetChecked At Home Herpes Test

Suppressive therapy reduces frequency of genital herpes recurrences by 70%80% among patients who have frequent recurrences . Persons receiving such therapy often report having experienced no symptomatic outbreaks. Suppressive therapy also is effective for patients with less frequent recurrences. Long-term safety and efficacy have been documented among patients receiving daily acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir . Quality of life is improved for many patients with frequent recurrences who receive suppressive therapy rather than episodic treatment . Providers should discuss with patients on an annual basis whether they want to continue suppressive therapy because frequency of genital HSV-2 recurrence diminishes over time for many persons. However, neither treatment discontinuation nor laboratory monitoring is necessary because adverse events and development of HSV antiviral resistance related to long-term antiviral use are uncommon.

Valacyclovir 500 mg orally 2 times/day for 3 daysOR

Valacyclovir 1 gm orally once daily for 5 days

*Acyclovir 400 mg orally 3 times/day is also effective, but are not recommended because of frequency of dosing.

Read Also: How Do Herpes Look On Your Lip

Read Also: Can Herpes Spread All Over The Body

Pcr Is The Most Useful Test

Laboratory testing may be useful in cases with less typical clinical presentations, such as in people with suppressed immune systems who may have disseminated herpes zoster . Polymerase chain reaction is the most useful test for confirming cases of suspected zoster sine herpete .

PCR can be used to detect VZV DNA rapidly and sensitively, and is now widely available. The ideal samples are swabs of unroofed vesicular lesions and scabs from crusted lesions you may also detect viral DNA in saliva during acute disease, but salvia samples are less reliable for herpes zoster than they are for varicella. Biopsy samples are also useful test samples in cases of disseminated disease. It is also possible to use PCR to distinguish between wild-type and vaccine strains of VZV.

What You Need To Know

  • Fifty percent to 80 percent of U.S. adults have oral herpes.
  • Oral herpes can be spread through intimate contact with someone who is infected.
  • Oral herpes can be difficult to diagnose. Often confused with many other infections, it can only be confirmed with a virus culture called PCR, blood test or biopsy. PCR is the preferred test for diagnosing herpes infections.
  • The best treatment for oral herpes is antiviral oral medication. Symptomatic treatment may include antiviral ointment, over-the-counter topical anesthetics or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents.

Whether you call it a cold sore or a fever blister, oral herpes is a common infection of the mouth area that is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 . Fifty percent to 80 percent of U.S. adults have oral herpes. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 90 percent of adults have been exposed to the virus by age 50.

Once infected, a person will have herpes simplex virus for the rest of his or her life. When inactive, the virus lies dormant in a group of nerve cells. While some people never develop any symptoms from the virus, others will have periodic outbreaks of infections.

Read Also: What Is The Medication For Herpes

Visual Diagnosis Of Herpes Least Accurate

Visual diagnosis is the least accurate way to determine whether or not you have herpes. The herpes pictures that you might find on the internet are of extremely rare worst cases, and give a false impression of what most people with herpes experience which is usually NOTHING most of the time. For the great majority of people with herpes, their symptoms are so mild or infrequent or not at all that their herpes is never diagnosed!

Im Pregnant How Could Genital Herpes Affect My Baby

Herpes Simplex

If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, prenatal care visits are very important. Some research suggest that a genital herpes infection may lead to miscarriage or make it more likely to deliver your baby too early. You can pass herpes to your unborn child before birth, but it more commonly passes during delivery. This can lead to a deadly infection in your baby . It is important that you avoid getting genital herpes during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had a genital herpes diagnosis or symptoms. Also tell them about any possible exposure to genital herpes.

If you have genital herpes, you may need to take anti-herpes medicine towards the end of your pregnancy. This medicine may reduce your risk of having signs or symptoms of genital herpes when you deliver. At the time of delivery, your healthcare provider should carefully examine you for herpes sores. If you have signs or symptoms of genital herpes at delivery, a C-section is likely to occur.

Dont Miss: How Long Is Herpes Outbreak

Recommended Reading: How Does Genital Herpes Start

What Is The Difference Between Type

The technology behind the type-specific test is relatively new. The gold standard of type-specific blood tests is known as the Western Blot Serology.

A number of similar tests are produced for research purposes and commercial products are gradually becoming more available. These tests detect antibodies that differ between HSV-1 and HSV-2. It is now recommended that clinicians avoid serum tests other than type-specific tests.

Does My Healthcare Provider Include A Blood Test For Genital Herpes When They Test Me For Everything

Herpes blood tests may or may not be part of the tests your healthcare provider gives you. They may choose tests based on several factors .

They will also evaluate you for signs or symptoms of herpes to choose which tests to use. This is why its important to talk openly and honestly with your provider during your visit. Ask them which infections they are and are not testing you for and why.

Additional Resources

Read Also: What Is Suppressive Therapy For Herpes

When Should I Get Tested For Herpes

If you havent had an initial outbreak, the best time to get tested for herpes 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.

A Quick Look At The 6 Best At

Plastic iCare Herpes II Test Kit OTC, For Hospital, Rs 30/piece

This article discusses the different types of at-home herpes tests available and some advantages and disadvantages. It also lists a selection of at-home herpes tests that people can consider.

MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria where possible:

  • Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Mouth Herpes Naturally

How Accurate Is The Herpes Test

Taking a swab of a lesion is the most accurate way to test for herpes. If you receive a positive result from a sore, you can be certain that you have herpes. A swab can also tell you whether you have HSV-1 or HSV-2. Unfortunately, a swab can also give you a false negative. Youre especially likely to get a false negative if the lesion has been present for more than 48 hours, as it will begin to heal after that time. False negatives from viral cultures are more likely with each subsequent outbreak.

A PCR test is more accurate than a swab test and is a good option both for those who do have current sores and those who do not.

Blood tests do not look for an active herpes outbreak. Rather, they check the blood for antibodies. There are two types of antibodies that may be present: IgM and IgG. IgG antibodies appear shortly after you become infected with herpes and stay in the body for life. IgG testing is more accurate than IgM testing.

IgM tests can yield a false negative if youve recently become infected with herpes, as you might not have these antibodies yet. Over time, IgM antibodies will go away, so you can get a false negative between outbreaks as well. Some IgM tests also cross-react with similar viruses that cause chickenpox or mono, so you may also get a false positive.

Will I Have To Pay For A Herpes Test Out Of Pocket

Youll have to check with your insurance network to see whether at-home STI tests are covered.

Insurance does typically cover them, but sites like Everlywell recommend verifying the purchase with your insurance.

Additionally, some networks may reimburse you for your purchase.

However, most at-home testing sites arent currently partnered with any insurance companies, which means youll have to reach out yourself.

If you dont have insurance, youll likely have to pay for the test out of pocket. Some sites like Priority STD dont accept insurance, so its a flat rate of $99 regardless of your coverage.

Read Also: How Is Herpes Spread From Host To Host

What You Need To Know About Herpes And How Its Transmitted

Two versions of the herpes simplex virus can cause this infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention : herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 .

You might be thinking, Oooh, wait, HSV-1 causes oral herpes, and HSV-2 causes genital herpes, right? Technically, yes. But thats not the full picture. Both viruses can infect either your mouth or your genitals through skin-to-skin contact, the CDC explains.

HSV-1 has a predilection for the oral mucosa, but cases affecting the genitals are rising, Susan Bard, M.D., a New York City board-certified dermatologist and adjunct clinical instructor at the Mount Sinai Hospital, tells SELF. This can happen if, say, a person with HSV-1 in their mouth passes the infection to someones genitals while performing oral sex. And although HSV-2 is still behind most cases of genital herpes, it can cause oral herpes when someone with this infection on their genitals passes it to another persons mouth during oral sex.

You might think these signs would make it really obvious that something is up with your health if you have herpes. But its also entirely possible to have herpes without exhibiting any symptoms at all. The virus can lie dormant in the body without ever making itself known. Thats why so many people have herpes without realizing it, the CDC explains.

What Happens During A Herpes Test

Varicella zoster virus – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

If you have blisters or sores, your doctor or nurse will gently take a sample of fluid from the sores with a swab and test it.

If you dont have any sores, talk with your doctor or nurse about whether a blood test for herpes makes sense for you. But herpes tests arent normally recommended unless you do have symptoms.

The idea of getting tested may seem scary, but try to chill out. STD testing is a regular part of being a responsible adult and taking care of your health. And herpes tests are quick and usually painless.

Also Check: What Meds To Take For Herpes

What Is Oral Herpes

More than half of American adults have oral herpes. Some estimates say up to 80% of American adults have oral herpes.

Oral herpes is primarily caused by HSV-1, although it is also possible to have an HSV-2 infection around the mouth.

A person with an oral herpes outbreak may first feel itching, burning, or tingling around the mouth, lips, or tongue. Later, cold sores or small blisters may develop in these areas or anywhere on the skin.

Roughly four to six days after these cold sores start leaking, they start healing by forming a crust. Outbreaks of oral herpes can last for two to three weeks, which can be shorter than the two to six weeks of a genital herpes outbreak.

People who develop symptoms of herpes may first experience tingling, itching, or burning, then notice sores or blisters forming around the mouth or genitals.

Symptoms tend to develop 220 days after exposure to the virus.

You May Like: Can Sea Moss Cure Herpes

Is Herpes Detected In A Blood Test

Yes, herpes is detected in a blood test. This is our most popular herpes test. It will tell you whether you have herpes 1 , herpes 2 , neither, or both. This test needs a small blood sample.

You should wait until at least 4 to 6 weeks after you think you might have caught herpes before having this test. If it has been less time than this, you can either wait or choose another test if you have symptoms.

Also Check: Best Over The Counter Cream For Herpes

Best For Early Detection: Priority Std

  • Collection method: blood test or urine sample
  • Results: within 13 days
  • Follow-up care: phone consultation with partner physician who may prescribe treatment for $65
  • Cost:$99 for standard herpes testing and $189 for early-detection testing
  • Pro: offers tests for early detection of herpes
  • Con: requires a visit to a laboratory

Priority STD offers two lab-based herpes detection tests: A standard herpes test, costing $99, and a herpes early detection test, costing $189. The latter can detect the presence of the herpes simplex virus as early as 10 days after exposure.

This may be suitable for people who would prefer to quickly seek diagnosis and treatment for herpes.

To order either herpes test, a person must access the company website and enter their ZIP code to find their nearest testing center.

The company claims it has over 4,000 private test centers across the United States.

After ordering the herpes test, a person can walk into their local center to receive the testing. An appointment is not necessary.

The test procedure involves a simple blood test and urine sample, which typically takes a matter of minutes. A person can expect to receive their online test results within 13 days.

In the event of a positive result, a person can have a phone consultation with a partner physician, who may prescribe treatment at an additional cost of $65.

Myth: Without A Visible Outbreak Herpes Isnt Contagious

Pin on Genital Herpes

Since outbreaks arent always obvious, its not always clear when youre contagious. There are a few days a year when herpes is active and possibly transmitted without any symptoms present, explains Wyand. This is known as viral shedding. This doesnt happen on most days, but its tricky, because theres no real way to know.

All this sounds really scary, but what it boils down to is the importance of practicing safe sex. While the risk of transmission will never be zero, there are some steps you and your partner can take to significantly reduce the risk of transmission: avoiding sex during an outbreak, using condoms. The partner with herpes can also go on suppressive therapy .

Dr. Rosser agrees that condoms are your best friends for any kind of sex. People still look at me like I have two heads when I suggest condoms for oral sex, she says. But if theres any question, then use them.

Communication is not only essential when it comes to having great sex, adds Dr. Rosser, but also when preventing the spread of herpes. If youre infected, be honest and consideratelet your partner know.

Dont Miss: Is Herpes And Cold Sores The Same Thing

Read Also: What Happens If You Use Abreva On Genital Herpes

Popular Articles
Related news