How Do I Get Tested
Thats simple. If you are experiencing symptoms, speak to your doctor or visit your local sexual health centre to test for herpes. The doctor will need to do a swab of the blisters or sores and usually offer a complete STI screen. If your test returns a positive diagnosis it is important to seek treatment immediately.
How Is Shingles Diagnosed
Most of the time, a healthcare professional can diagnose shingles by performing a physical exam, including an examination of the eyes to see if theyve been affected.
Shingles may be harder to diagnose if the rash is spread out over a large portion of the body or has an unusual appearance. If thats the case, the healthcare professional can take skin samples from a lesion and send them to a lab for cultures or microscopic analysis.
Treatment The First Time You Have Genital Herpes
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.
Don’t Miss: Where Does Herpes Virus Come From
Does Herpes Mean You Have Hiv
Are people with genital herpes at increased risk of getting infected with HIV? Yes, studies show that HSV-2 infection increases the risk of getting HIV infection.
People who have genital herpes sores are more likely to be infected with HIV during intercourse. When you develop a sore, the immune system tries to heal it, so there are many immune cells concentrated in that spot. Those are the cells that HIV infects. If HIV in semen, vaginal fluid, or blood comes in contact with a herpes sore, the risk for infection is high.
Herpes Increases Risk Of Getting Hiv
Dear Alice,
If you have the herpes virus are you more susceptable to AIDS?
Dear Reader,
In a word, possibly. Many studies show that the risk of contracting HIV does increase for people who have genital herpes in fact, its estimated that having herpes makes a person two to four times more susceptible to HIV infection, IF that person is exposed to HIV.
To help prevent HIV transmission, sexually active people have a few options to consider:
- Abstaining from sex during herpes outbreaks ,
- Getting tested regularly for HIV and other STIs, and encouraging partner to also get tested and treated if necessary,
- Limiting the number of sex partners and talking with partners about any past or current infections.
Take care,
Read Also: Can You Test For Herpes Through Blood
What If A Person Has Never Had Chickenpox Or The Vaccine For It
Shingles doesnt spread from one person to another. And those whove never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine cant get shingles.
The varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles can be transmitted, however. Those who dont have the virus can contract it from exposure to active shingles blisters, and then develop chickenpox as a result.
Following are a few precautions to take to reduce risk of contracting the varicella-zoster virus:
- Try to avoid exposure to people with chickenpox or shingles.
- Be especially careful to avoid direct contact with the rash.
- Ask a healthcare professional about getting the vaccine.
There are two shingles vaccines available. The newest vaccine contains inactivated virus, which wont cause a shingles infection and so can be given to people whose immune system is severely compromised. The older vaccine contains the live virus and may not be safe in this case.
Consult a healthcare professional to find out if they recommend getting vaccinated against shingles.
Those with HIV might get a more severe case of shingles and are also at increased risk of complications.
Is It Safe To Breastfeed If I Have Genital Herpes
Yes as long as there isnt an open lesion on your chest or breast. If you have an active outbreak while breastfeeding, its possible to spread the infection to your nipples through touch. Careful hand-washing can prevent this spread. You shouldnt nurse from a breast that has herpes sores. You can pump breast milk until the sores heal. Dont give your baby expressed breast milk if the pump comes into contact with an open sore.
Don’t Miss: Quickest Way To Get Rid Of Herpes Outbreak
How Do You Get Herpes
There are two different herpes viruses: Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 and Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 .
While rare, a mother can pass genital herpes to the baby during vaginal childbirth.
Herpes is most easily transmitted when sores are open and wet, because fluid from herpes blisters easily spreads the virus. But herpes can also shed and be passed to others when there are no sores and the skin looks totally normal. Most people get herpes from someone who does not have any sores. When used consistently and correctly, condoms help protect against herpes and many other STDs.
What Causes Genital Herpes How Does It Spread
The herpes viruses enter the skin or mucous membrane through tiny, even microscopic, breaks in the tissue when there is skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Because an infected person may spread the disease even when he or she does not have signs or symptoms of herpes, avoiding sexual contact with someone with active blisters does not guarantee protection against the infection. Even normal appearing skin can spread the infection. Clothing that touches genital skin ulcers may transmit herpes simplex virus to others that wear the clothing.
The average incubation period after exposure is 4 days, but symptoms may develop anywhere from 2 to 12 days after you have been exposed to the virus.
Individual outbreaks of herpes vary among affected people in terms of their frequency and severity. Outbreaks can be related to the function of the immune system and are typically worse in cases in which the immune system is suppressed. For example, at times of physical or emotional stress, during illness, or when taking certain medications, genital herpes outbreaks may be more likely.
Dont Miss: How To Tell If You Have Herpes Or Not
Recommended Reading: Why Are My Herpes Outbreaks So Frequent
Aphthous Ulcers Or Canker Sores
Canker sores are common mouth lesions that can cause pain, especially because they dont go away on their own. Theyre usually red, but can also be covered with a gray or yellow film. Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers.
They tend to develop inside the cheeks, inside the lips, and around the tongue. These locations may make the sores feel more painful because they move when a person speaks or eats.
Canker sores arent a symptom of HIV, but having HIV can increase the risk for recurring and severe sores. Other factors that can cause canker sores include stress, acidic foods, and mineral deficiencies that include:
Eating hot or spicy foods can also lead to increased pain from canker sores.
Treatment: In mild cases, over-the-counter creams and mouthwashes can reduce inflammation and sores. Canker sores can also be treated with salt water.
If someone has a severe case of canker sores, they may be prescribed corticosteroids in pill form. For cases of prolonged sores that interfere with meals, try topical anesthetic sprays. These can help numb the area.
Contagious? No.
Oral And Genital Herpes
There are two main types of herpes virus, HSV 1 and 2. There are also two places that herpes can affect: your mouth/lips and your genital/anal area .
Oral herpes causes tingling or painful fluid-filled blisters on the edge of the lip where it meets the skin of the face . These can occasionally develop on the nostrils, on the gums or on the roof of the mouth.
HSV 1 is most commonly associated with oral herpes, while HSV 2 is most commonly associated with genital herpes. But both viruses can cause either genital or oral herpes, and HSV 1 is now the leading cause of genital herpes in the UK.
Read Also: Can I Spread Genital Herpes To Myself
How Do I Prevent Hiv/aids
There are many ways to prevent the transmission of HIV. HIV transmission can occur when blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk from an infected person enters your body. Talk to your doctor to determine if you may be in an at-risk category and a fit for being prescribed pre-exposure prophylaxis . For more information on HIV/AIDS prevention, consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Many people worry about the risk of infection through a blood transfusion. Since 1985, all donated blood in the United States has been tested for HIV. The U.S. blood supply is considered to be among the safest in the world.
Dont Miss: How Can You Get Genital Herpes
Hsv Infection And Symptoms
Most individuals infected with HSV have either no symptoms or mild symptoms that go unnoticed. When symptoms do appear, they initially present with tingling and/or redness, followed by blister-like lesions that rapidly merge into open, weeping sores. The sores are often quite painful and can be accompanied by a fever and swollen lymph glands.
Both oral and genital herpes cycle between periods of active disease, which can last from two days to three weeks, followed by a period of remission. After the initial infection, the viruses attach themselves to sensory nerve cells, where they remain for a lifetime. HSV can reactivate at any time , although the frequency and severity of outbreaks tend to subside over time.
Diagnosis is generally made by clinical examination of the patient, although genital herpes is often difficult to diagnose as symptoms can be mild and easily confused with other conditions . Laboratory tests are sometimes used to make a definitive diagnosis, including newer generation HSV antibody tests which can identify HSV-1 or HSV-2 with greater than 98% specificity, but cannot detect new infections, as antibodies to the virus have not yet been made.
Also Check: Can You Get Herpes Without An Outbreak
How Can I Best Learn To Cope With Herpes Simplex
Some people feel distressed or embarrassed about their herpes simplex infection. Its important to understand that the herpes virus is common. For most people, herpes doesnt significantly interfere with daily life.
To cope with negative feelings, you may consider:
- Connecting with others through support groups or online forums.
- Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or loved one.
- Speaking with a therapist.
Why Does Having An Std Put Me More At Risk For Getting Hiv
If you get an STD, you are more likely to get HIV than someone who is STD-free. This is because the same behaviors and circumstances that may put you at risk for getting an STD also can put you at greater risk for getting HIV. In addition, having a sore or break in the skin from an STD may allow HIV to more easily enter your body. If you are sexually active, get tested for STDs and HIV regularly, even if you dont have symptoms.
Also Check: Does Csl Plasma Test For Herpes
How Do The Tests Work
HSV tests detect IgG and immunoglobulin M antibodies. IgG antibodies are present soon after infection with HSV and remain in the blood for life. A test result showing IGg antibodies will tell a person that they have experienced an infection in the past and that they have antibodies against the virus.
IgM antibodies appear before IgG antibodies but may disappear when the infection is inactive. Testing for IgM antibodies is not a useful way to distinguish between primary and recurrent episodes of HSV infection. Therefore, doctors do not recommend IgM testing.
A positive herpes antibody test cannot tell people where they have HSV infection or when they contracted the infection. It cannot tell if a person was capable of passing on the infection at the time of the test, nor can it tell if specific symptoms are due to herpes.
Once a sample comes back from laboratory analysis, a person will receive one of the following results:
Treating The Symptoms Of Herpes
Theres currently no cure for herpes, but there are treatments that can reduce the symptoms and make it less likely to transmit the virus to a sex partner.
Antiviral medications are prescribed to help clear up symptoms or reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Some antivirals that may be prescribed include:
You May Like: How To Check If You Have Herpes
Is There A Cure For Herpes Simplex
There is no cure for herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, its a lifelong infection.
What is the outlook for people with herpes simplex?
For many people, the first herpes outbreak is the most severe. Many outbreaks are less frequent and milder after the first year of infection. Some people may have only one outbreak and never have another again.
Herpes infection doesnt usually pose a serious health risk. The risk of a health complication due to herpes is higher in infants and if you have HIV/AIDS, cancer or an organ transplant.
Are There Any Risks To The Test
There is no known risk to having a swab test.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
If you had a lumbar puncture, you may have pain or tenderness in your back where the needle was inserted. You may also get a headache after the procedure.
Read Also: How Do You Get Mouth Herpes
What Happens During A Herpes Antibody Test
There are different tests for HSV. Doctors will choose a test based on a persons health history and symptoms. Options include the following:
- Swab test: A healthcare professional uses a swab to take a sample of fluid and cells from a herpes sore. They then order a PCR test or viral culture to determine whether HSV is present. This is the most reliable way to test for HSV. Doctors normally do this as standard procedure before ordering any other sort of test.
- Blood test: A healthcare professional uses a needle to take a small amount of blood from a vein in a persons arm.
- Lumbar puncture: Doctors may use this method if they suspect a person has an infection in the brain or spinal cord. It involves numbing the skin of the lower spine and inserting a thin, hollow needle between two vertebrae to collect cerebrospinal fluid.
A doctor will send samples to a laboratory for testing and a person should get their results within a few days.
Can Genital Herpes Be Treated
Your physician can prescribe different medications to help reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing of an outbreak. These medicines work best when you start them soon after an outbreak occurs.
To reduce pain during an outbreak:
- Sit in warm water in a portable bath or bathtub for about 20 minutes. Avoid bubble baths.
- Keep your genital area clean and dry, and avoid tight clothes.
- Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin.
Let your physician know if you are worried about your genital herpes. He or she can recommend a support group to help you cope with the virus.
Also Check: Can You Get Herpes From Kissing
What Do The Results Mean
Your HSV test results will be given as negative, also called normal, or positive, also called abnormal.
Negative/Normal. The herpes virus was not found. You may still have an HSV infection if your results were normal. It may mean the sample didn’t have enough of the virus to be detected. If you still have symptoms of herpes, you may need to get tested again.
Positive/Abnormal. HSV was found in your sample. It may mean you have an active infection , or were infected in the past .
If you tested positive for HSV, talk to your health care provider. While there is no cure for herpes, it hardly ever causes serious health problems. Some people may only have one outbreak of sores their whole lives, while others break out more often. If you want to reduce the severity and number of your outbreaks, your provider may prescribe a medicine that can help.
Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
What Puts You At Risk For Stds And Hiv
You’re at risk if you:
- Have sex without using a condom, with someone who is infected.
- Have had an STD.
- Have more than one sex partner.
- Are under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- Many women have STDs without having symptoms. This means that unless she gets tested, she may have an STD and not know it.
If you are a woman, take charge of your sexual health. Be sure to schedule pelvic exams and pap smears every year. Get tested and learn how to protect yourself from STDs and HIV.
You May Like: How To Deal With Herpes Pain
How Hiv Is Transmitted
The first step in determining whether you are at risk of HIV is to better understand how the virus is transmitted.
HIV thrives in certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Most people get infected when exposed to HIV through these fluids.
HIV is transmitted through:
HIV can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth, although this is less common in the developed world due to advances in prevention and treatment.
It is important to note that HIV cannot penetrate intact skin. The virus can enter the body either through porous mucosal tissues , through breaks in vulnerable tissues , or directly through the bloodstream.
HIV infection can occur with just one exposure, particularly in high-risk individuals.
By contrast, HIV does not thrive in saliva, urine, tears, or feces and cannot survive in infectious quantities when exposed to air and environmental conditions.