Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Herpes 2 Test At Home

Why Should I Get Tested

Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes. Symptoms and Treatment. Herpes Simplex Virus

Genital herpes does not often show signs or symptoms until you have an outbreak. If you have had unprotected sex with someone who has genital herpes, then you may have caught it too. It is important to get tested so that you do not pass it on to someone else.

It is very important to get tested if you are a pregnant woman and have a partner with genital herpes. This is because your baby could also become infected if you get genital herpes too. Herpes infections in babies can be life-threatening.

Can Herpes Be Treated

If your symptoms are already cleared, you may not need any medication. You will however need to learn more about how to manage your condition if an outbreak happens in the future.

There are several antiviral medications you can take to manage or prevent outbreaks. Antiviral medication can shorten outbreaks by several days. Some can also suppress the virus, reducing the risk of spread to partners.

Treatment options for herpes are:

You can also apply a pain relief or numbing cream to the affected area. Local anaesthetic creams like Lidocaine can be used for such relief.

Other ways to manage herpes outbreaks are to:

  • apply petroleum jelly as a barrier to skin contact
  • apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to help numb and soothe painful sores
  • take a cool shower to soothe pain and irritation
  • avoid frequent washing and drying of the affected area
  • wear loose fitting clothes
  • take mild over the counter pain relievers if needed
  • drink plenty of water for better skin health

When talking to your doctor, you will be asked to tell any previous partners so they can get tested. Your doctor or nurse may help you tell them anonymously if you prefer.

How Long Do Herpes Test Results Take

As soon as you have collected the fluid sample and sent it to the lab, it can take just 2 to 3 days after the sample has reached the lab for the results to be ready. One of the Superdrug Online doctors will contact you through the patient account created online. This is an encrypted channel that protects your privacy.

If there is a need for more information, the doctor may call you. You will never be contacted through email or text with your results.

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When Should I Get Tested For Herpes

If you think you have been exposed to herpes, then you should get tested 12 days after exposure. Herpes has an incubation period of 2 to 12 days, so may not show up on a test before then. Otherwise, you should get tested for herpes when you have visible symptoms, such as blisters, as this can confirm whether your symptoms are the result of a herpes infection.

Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About An Hsv Test

Herpes Simplex I/II Urine Test

The best way to prevent genital herpes or another STD is to not have sex. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of infection by

  • Being in a long-term relationship with one partner who has tested negative for STDs
  • Using condoms correctly every time you have sex

If you’ve been diagnosed with genital herpes, condom use can reduce your risk of spreading the infection to others.

Read Also: Can Herpes Type 2 Be Cured

How We Test For Oral & Genital Herpes

Our herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 type-specific antibody testing looks at the blood for antibodies to bothtypes of the herpes virus through the use of an immunoassay. If enough antibodies are detected, then the tester ispositive for the corresponding virus. Even without signs of an outbreak, our FDA-cleared herpes type 1 & 2 testingwill be 97%-99% accurate between 4-6 weeks post exposure. It will remain 99% accurate after 6 weeks.

Its important to understand that while HSV-2 is often referred to as genital herpes, and HSV-1 is commonly known asoral herpes, both can be located on either region of the body. A positive result for HSV-1 does not always mean aperson has oral herpes, nor does a positive result for HSV-2 mean someone has genital herpes.

Finding a lab is as simple as entering your zip code and selecting thelab that is most convenient for you. You pay online and can get tested as early as that same day.

Herpes I & II

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How Is The Test Used

Herpes testing may be used a few different ways:

  • Herpes simplex virus PCR testing or culture may be used to diagnose an active herpes infection if you have signs and symptoms, such as genital sores or encephalitis.
  • HSV PCR is the preferred test to diagnose newborns suspected of having neonatal herpes, a rare but serious condition in which herpes is contracted during vaginal birth.
  • HSV antibody testing may be used to determine whether you have been exposed to HSV in the past. This may be helpful in screening certain populations, such as potential organ transplant recipients. It may also be useful for pregnant women to help determine the risk of them passing an HSV-2 infection to their baby.
  • PCR and antibody testing may be used to distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend screening for herpes in the general population, but it may be helpful in some cases, such as:

    • If you have signs and symptoms, such as genital sores that may be related to herpes
    • If you have or had a sex partner with genital herpes
    • If you would like to have a complete exam for sexually transmitted diseases , especially if you have multiple sex partners if this is the case, you should discuss STD testing with your healthcare practitioner.

    Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Herpes Simplex 1 Fast

    Best Sti Panel Test For Herpes: Everlywell

    Everlywell offers STI test panels for males and females. This test may be most suitable for people who want to test for a wide range of STIs.

    Collection method

    Once a person has purchased a test, they must register it on Everlywells website. They then need to post the collected samples with prepaid shipping.

    Everlywell states that people can receive their test results within 57 of posting the samples. However, several customer reviews on the companys website say they had to wait up to 2 weeks.

    The person receives digital and printable results. If they test positive for any STIs, they can connect with Everlywells network of independent physicians for advice and treatment.

    This test costs $149. However, people can subscribe for twice-yearly tests and save money per kit. They can also use their FSA or HSA to pay for this test.

    How To Choose The Right Herpes Test For You

    Herpes Simplex Virus

    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.

    Read Also: How To Know Of You Have Herpes

    How Accurate Is The At Home Herpes Test Kit

    When you use a reputable at home testing service, then your blood sample will be sent to an accredited laboratory, just as it would if you were getting a blood test ordered by your doctor. This means that the laboratory meets the standards of the US Department of Health & Human Services for accuracy on medical tests. Whether you take the sample at home or it gets taken in a doctors office, it gets sent to the same laboratory.

    If you get a positive result on a herpes blood test, this likely indicates that youve been exposed to the virus. Because the herpes virus enters nerve cells and can stay dormant there for a persons whole life, if youve been exposed to herpes, then youre considered to have herpes.

    However, there are also false positives on this test. A false positive means that the test shows that you have herpes, when you really dont. In fact, false positive results on the herpes test are more common than for other types of STD tests. This is why doctors dont routinely screen everybody for herpes some people may feel distressed about getting a positive result, when it was actually only a false positive.

    If you do get a positive result on your home herpes test, then its important to talk with a healthcare provider to decide what to do. You may want to get another test to confirm your result. Home testing services will generally connect you with a healthcare provider so you can discuss your results.

    Best Subscription For Herpes Test: Letsgetchecked

    The LetsGetChecked home kits can test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. This test kit may be best for people who require regular testing as the companys subscription options can offer significant discounts.

    Collection method
    nurses available through LetsGetChecked to discuss positive results
    Cost
    tests for both HSV-1 and HSV-2
    Con does not accept insurance

    A person receives a collection kit with all the tools they need to collect their samples at home. This includes needles, a prepaid envelope, alcohol swabs, and a tube. The tests come in discreet packaging so that other people will not know what the person has received.

    The person also has access to an instruction video on the company website that explains how they should take their test. LetsGetChecked suggests that people take a blood sample before 9 a.m. and return it to the laboratory on the same day.

    The company states that it issues the results within 25 days.

    Individuals who receive a positive result can contact a nurse through the company, and they may suggest a treatment plan.

    LetsGetChecked offers a one-time purchase for $119. Anyone who requires regular testing can purchase a LetsGetChecked subscription and get discounts on its tests. For instance, a 3-monthly subscription will give a person a 30% saving on the cost of the kits.

    Read Also: How To Prevent Genital Herpes Breakouts

    Ive Had Chickenpox Does That Mean Im Immune To Genital Or Oral Herpes Or That I Might Have Them

    No. Chickenpox are herpesviruses, but they are a different kind of herpes virus. Another name for chickenpox is varicella-zoster virus varicella-zoster is a type of herpes separate from herpes simplex virus . Think of it like the difference between coronaviruses: having a common cold doesnt make you immune to SARS, nor does it mean youre more likely to have it. Theyre just related viruses.

    How To Test For Herpes

    Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Igg/igm Whole Blood

    If you suspect you have herpes, the first thing you should do is contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can examine your blisters or sores to check for herpes. If you do have an HSV infection, your healthcare provider may recommend a treatment plan for you.

    The Center for Disease Control recommends a genital herpes test if you have symptoms of herpes or a sexual partner who has genital herpes . Note that some people have asymptomatic herpes and donât show symptoms, but the CDC does not recommend asymptomatic screening for herpes .

    If you would like an easy at-home option to test for 6 other common STIs, try the Everlywell home STD Test for women or the STD Test for men which checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Once your sample is received and analyzed at the lab, the test results are sent to you quickly and discreetly via our secure, online platform.

    Recommended Reading: Can Genital Herpes Be Cured With Antibiotics

    Urine Tests Vs Swab Tests

    Urine tests can be used to identify bacterial sexually transmitted infections.

    Chlamydia and gonorrhea urine tests are widely available. Trichomoniasis urine tests are also available, but they are less common.

    It is important to note that the most accurate way of under-going STD testing is via bacterial culture. Bacterial cultures may be taken from using a swab sample. That involved attempting to grow bacteria out of samples that were taken directly from the cervix or urethra.

    Bacterial DNA testing looks for the DNA of the bacteria as opposed to looking for the culture. Urine testing very simple and completely safe. You simply collect your urine sample in a sample jar and either hand it to your healthcare provider or mail it to the laboratory.

    Samples are tested in the laboratory to identify whether it contains bacterial DNA.

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    If I Get Herpes Once Will I Have It Forever

    Yes and no. The sores themselves mean you have an active infection, which can be treated with antiviral pills. However, the herpes virus itself doesnt leave your body. You can take daily antiviral pills at lower doses, which lower your chance of spreading herpes to partners, but be prepared to talk openly with any potential partners about how to best have safe sex.

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    Benefits And Downsides Of At

    To decide if at-home genital and oral herpes testing is right for you, its important to remember that this form of testing has both benefits and downsides.

    Benefits of at-home genital and oral herpes testing include:

    • Transparent pricing: Costs can add up quickly when patients have testing performed in a doctors office or other medical facility. At-home testing offers transparent pricing that allows patients to rest assured that they understand the total price of genital and oral herpes testing.
    • Privacy: At-home testing is private and convenient. Patients can order an at-home genital and oral herpes test kit when they want without having to make an appointment at a medical office or clinic.
    • Easy to use: Testing for antibodies to HSV at home is a straightforward and simple process: order your test kit online, collect a small sample of blood from a simple finger prick using supplies contained in the test kit, and return your sample to the laboratory. Unlike testing performed by a doctor, theres no waiting room or blood draw from your arm.

    The downsides of at-home genital and oral herpes testing include:

    As you consider the benefits and downsides of at-home genital and oral herpes testing, it may be helpful to talk with a doctor or other health professional about testing for HSV in your specific case. It is especially important to talk with a doctor if you have active symptoms of a herpes infection.

    Should You Test For Type 1 Or Type 2 Herpes

    An All Natural OTC Topical Product for Genital Herpes Outbreak Symptoms

    Commonly known as oral herpes or genital herpes but medically known as HSV-1 and HSV-2, herpes can actually be located in either region regardless of its type. Additionally, its possible to have both strains of herpes. There are usually no symptoms at all, meaning someone can live their entire life without knowing that they have herpes, making it extremely easy to spread. We recommend testing for both HSV-1 and HSV-2.

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    Genital Herpes Is Common Shouldnt Cdc Recommend Testing For Everyone

    CDC recommends herpes testing for people who have genital symptoms to confirm if they have it. Testing allows a healthcare provider to talk with patients about what to expect in the future. This includes talking about medications that help with symptoms. Providers can also tell patients how to lower the risk of transmitting herpes to sex partner.

    CDC does not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms in most situations. This is because of the limits of a herpes blood test and the possibility of a wrong test result. The chances of wrong test results are higher for people who are at low risk of infection.

    Blood tests might be useful if:

    • You have genital symptoms that could be related to herpes, or
    • You have a sex partner with genital herpes, or
    • Your provider found signs of herpes, but you still need a test to confirm it.

    If you are sexually active, talk openly and honestly with your healthcare provider about what tests are right for you. These tips can help.

    Why The Test Is Performed

    The test is done to find out whether a person has ever been infected with oral or genital herpes. It looks for antibodies to herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 . An antibody is a substance made by the body’s immune system when it detects harmful substances such as the herpes virus. This test does not detect the virus itself.

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    When Should I Talk With A Doctor

    If you have a primary care doctor who you regularly visit, you can share your results with them to provide better insight into your next steps.

    If you dont have a primary care doctor, you can consult with a physician or nurse from the testing site about treatment options.

    If youve been treating your symptoms with medication and are still in pain or discomfort, reach out to a healthcare professional.

    During And After The Test

    Inova Diagnostics Biokit HSV

    When you have a urine STI test, it is usually during a regular appointment. You will be asked to pee into a sample collection cup or tube. That tube or cup will be given to one of the medical staff.

    Your urine sample will then be sent out to a lab or tested at the clinic. You can leave as soon as you are done giving the sample or when your appointment is finished.

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