How Can You Know If You Have Herpes

Dormancy In Between Outbreaks

If someone has already experienced an initial herpes outbreak, then they might wonder how often you should expect to get them in the future. There is no exact science for this either, but the average is two to four HSV-2 outbreaks a year.

However, there are always exceptions. According to the Mayo Clinic, a herpes patient can live outbreak-free 40 years after their first one before having another!

• Women can have outbreak recurrences on their cervix without knowing it. .
• Recurring outbreaks have fewer systemic symptoms than the first outbreak.
• Herpes outbreaks are more frequent within the first 4-5 years of having the virus in most people. They taper off, and sometimes stop occurring altogether. This isnt always the case for all patients, though.
• Some women experience outbreaks in conjunction with their menstrual cycles, which for them would be a trigger.

Why Does It Take So Long To Get Blood Test Results

Sometimes, how quickly the blood tests take depends on how common the blood test is. Blood tests performed more often, such as a CBC or metabolic panel, are usually available more quickly than tests for rare conditions. Fewer laboratories may have the testing available for these conditions, which could slow results.

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Whos At Risk For Stds

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for an STD, regardless of gender, race, social class, or sexual orientation. That said, teenagers and young adults acquire STDs more easily than older people. By age 25, half of sexually active adults get an STD. Having multiple sex partners also raises the risk. The CDC has noted that some STDs are on the rise in men who have sex with men, including syphilis and LGV.

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Should I Seek Medical Care

Herpes does not affect the ability to get pregnant, but in connection with childbirth, there is a small risk of transmitting herpes to the newborn child, who can then become very sick. The risk is greatest when you have herpes for the first time. It is important to consult with his doctor if you suspect that you have received a herpes outbreak during late pregnancy.

While it is very rare, you can get bacteria in the wounds that are formed when herpes blisters burst. In addition, an unusual complication can occur the first time you get herpes. You will have a mild meningitis, and then get severe headaches and stiff neck. In both cases, you should contact your healthcare provider.

You can read more about how to get tested for and if you have genital herpes here

Other Stis Causing Similar Symptoms

If you have sore, red blisters around your genitals then its very likely that you have herpes. However, there are some other infections that can cause symptoms you might mistake for herpes.

Genital warts

Genital warts are small, fleshy growths that develop around the genitals. They are usually painless but they can become itchy and inflamed, and in some cases they can bleed.

Syphilis

The first symptom of syphilis is a painless sore on the genitals. It is normal to have only one sore, although some people have several. If you have several sores and they are painful, it is more likely to be herpes than syphilis.

Trichomoniasis, pubic lice and scabies can cause itching and inflammation around the genitals. Scratching the affected area can cause soreness and break the skin, which you might mistake for herpes. However, if there are no blisters present then it is unlikely that you are infected.

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Can Genital Herpes Come Back

Yes. Genital herpes symptoms can come and go, but the virus stays inside your body even after all signs of the infection have gone away. The virus becomes âactiveâ from time to time, leading to an outbreak. Some people have outbreaks only once or twice. Other people may have four or five outbreaks within a year. Over time, the outbreaks usually happen less often and are less severe.

Experts do not know what causes the virus to become active. Some women say the virus comes back when they are sick, under stress, out in the sun, or during their period.

What Complications Are Connected With An Untreated Genital Herpes Infection

Just as there are health risks associated with untreated chlamydia in men and women, there are also risks connected with untreated herpesâeven in asymptomatic patients. Not only does the infection increase your likelihood of contracting and transmitting other STDs, but it can also lead to:

• Difficulty urinating, due to inflammation of the urethra

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Syphilis: A Greater Health Threat Than Herpes

Syphilis and genital herpes are both STDs that can cause sores in the genital area. Like oral herpes, syphilis can also cause mouth sores, which often clear without treatment. But despite these similarities in symptoms, the two diseases differ in their causes syphilis is caused by a bacteria and herpes by a virus and the health risks they pose.

For most people the exceptions being infants and people who have weakened immune systems or who are chronically ill herpes is more of an annoyance than a dangerous disease. But untreated syphilis can lead to severe complications, including bone, joint, liver, heart, and brain damage.

There are four stages of syphilis, according to the CDC, each with different signs and symptoms. In the primary stage, a painless sore or sores develop where the bacteria first entered the skin or mucous membrane. In the secondary stage, you may develop a skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and other flu-like symptoms. In the latent stage of syphilis, there are no signs or symptoms, and in the tertiary stage, the bacterial infection can damage the heart, brain, and other organs of the body.

Are There Oral Herpes Home Remedies

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid physical contact with the lesions and any lesion secretions.

For mild infections, self-care may be adequate for treatment. Other treatments termed âhome remediesâ are not considered cures but can ease or hasten recovery. These remedies include aloe vera gel, cornstarch paste, and tea or mint leaves. A cool compress may reduce pain. There is no cure for the infection. People with severe infection symptoms, especially children, should be evaluated by a medical caregiver.

The herpes virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact with a person who has the herpes virus:

• Most often, from herpes sores or blisters
• Less often, from normal looking skin where the virusfirst entered the body
• The herpes virus enters the body through the:
• Lining of the mouth
• Regular skin that has small cracks or cuts

People with a weak immune system can get a herpesinfection more easily. A weak immune system is causedby some diseases and by somemedicines used to treat serious diseases.

People who dont know they have herpes can still spread the virus to others.

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Myth: Without A Visible Outbreak Herpes Isnt Contagious

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.

Is There A Cure For Herpes

There is no cure for herpes, but the virus tends to cause the most symptoms during the first few years. After that, while herpes does not go away entirely, it usually causes mild to no symptoms.

When the virus is active, people can take medications to help reduce and prevent symptoms. Antiviral medicines may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms of genital herpes or oral herpes and speed up the healing of an outbreak, such as:

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Type Of Tests Used To Diagnose Herpes

There are four main types of diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose herpes. Your doctor will determine which type of test to use based on whether an outbreak is present or not.

If youre experiencing what you believe to be a herpes outbreak, your doctor can use a viral culture test or virus antigen detection test. If youre not experiencing symptoms, you can have an antibody test.

• Viral culture test.This test is used to determine if a sore contains the herpes virus. This test can sometimes produce a false-negative, meaning that it may not detect the virus even though its present.
• Virus antigen detection test. This test is used to determine if antigens to the herpes virus are present in a sore or lesion.
• Antibody test. If youre not experiencing an outbreak yet but still believe you may have been exposed, you can opt to have an antibody test performed. This test will only show a positive result if the antibodies to the virus have been developed. Therefore, this test isnt necessarily recommended for recent exposure.
• Polymerase chain reaction test. With this test, a healthcare provider can screen a sample of your blood or tissue from a sore. They can use this to determine if HSV is present and which type you have.

What Is The Difference Between Genital Herpes And Genital Warts

Both genital herpes and genital warts are STIs, are spread through skin-to-skin contact, and are caused by a virus. But the viruses that cause genital herpes and genital warts are different:

• Herpes simplex virus is the virus that causes genital herpes.
• Human papillomavirus is the virus that causes genital warts.

There is no cure for either genital herpes or genital warts. But, different medicines can help manage the symptoms of herpes and treat the complications of HPV infections that can cause genital warts.

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What Are The Herpes Outbreak Stages

• Lauren Stuttaford

Herpes, otherwise known as the herpes simplex virus, is categorized into two types: herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 .

The first is mainly transmitted through oral-to-oral contact causing oral herpes but can also cause genital herpes. While HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes. Both types of the infection are lifelong.

A person infected with herpes, whether oral or genital, might show no symptoms or could progress through the different herpes outbreak stages from blister development to herps healing. However, most herpes infections are asymptomatic.

According to the World Health Organization , an estimated 3.7 billion people under 50 years old have HSV-1 infection globally, and an estimated 491 million people between the ages of 15-49 have HSV-2 infection worldwide.

Astonishingly, the virus causing genital herpes or HSV-2 increases the risk of contracting and transmitting HIV, putting millions at greater risk of contracting an HIV infection.

Lets take a closer look at the herpes outbreak stages.

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What Is Herpes Simplex

The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is a viral infection that causes genital and oral herpes.

Many people live with asymptomatic HSV, which means they have the virus without ever having an outbreak or active episode of herpes.

Others might experience occasional episodes of small, fluid-filled blisters or sores. These blisters most commonly appear on the genitals or mouth and lips, but they can also show up on hands or fingers and other parts of your body.

HSV can be sexually transmitted, but the virus can also be transmitted in other ways. Theres a lot of stigma around herpes, but the virus is actually very common and nothing to be ashamed of.

According to estimates from the World Health Organization :

• about 67 percent of the worlds population under age 50 had oral or genital HSV-1 in 2016
• about 13 percent of people between the ages of 15 and 49 had HSV-2 in 2016

Other research notes that over 90 percent of adults have HSV-1 antibodies by the time they reach their 50s.

Experts have yet to find a cure for herpes, but antivirals and home remedies can help ease the severity of symptoms. Antiviral medication may also lead to fewer herpes episodes.

Read on to learn more about the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2, plus get the details on key signs, diagnosis, and treatment.

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How To Manage Genital Herpes With Compresses

Warm and cold compresses are the simplest natural treatment for genital herpes. Though the idea of a compress might sound old fashioned, research shows that topical therapy can effectively alleviate symptoms of genital herpes outbreaks and even contribute to the prevention of outbreaks when used promptly.

Here are a few tried-and-true natural compress ideas to get you started:

• -Dry, warm compress using warmed rice in a sock
• -Cold compress using an ice pack or soft washcloth filled with ice
• -Baking soda paste
• -Crushed garlic cloves mixed with olive oil
• -Topical apple cider vinegar using one-part ACV and three-parts warm water

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How Will My Healthcare Provider Know If I Have Genital Herpes

Your healthcare provider may diagnose genital herpes by simply looking at any sores that are present. Providers can also take a sample from the sore and test it. If sores are not present, a blood test may be used to look for HSV antibodies.

Have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider about herpes testing and other STDs.

Please note: A herpes blood test can help determine if you have herpes infection. It cannot tell you who gave you the infection or when you got the infection.

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No Cure For Feline Herpes But Treatments Available

There is no cure for FHV-1, but there are treatments that can help a cat manage the disease while also making him feel more at ease. Systemic antiviral therapy, which uses a human anti-herpes antiviral drug, and supportive care, which provides comfort and hydration, are two of the available options. It is critical that your cat be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible if he or she exhibits any of the symptoms of upper respiratory disease, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or a fever. Even if a cat has FHV-1, it is highly likely that they will recover, but some may die.

What Are The Signs Of Herpes In Women

Like men, women who have HSV-1 or HSV-2 may have no symptoms or signs of the infection. Some women may only have an initial outbreak and no other recurring symptoms. Others may have chronic recurring outbreaks of the herpes virus, and some women may not have an outbreak for months or even years after they have first been infected.

In the first herpes outbreak, symptoms usually start within 2 weeks of contracting the virus. The initial symptoms may include:

-Headache

-Around the buttocks or thighs

-Inside the cervix or urinary tract

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Is Herpes Simplex Related To Herpes Zoster

Herpes simplex and the varicella-zoster virus are related, but they arent the same. VZV causes chickenpox and shingles.

Like HSV-1 and HSV-2, shingles can cause a painful, blistering rash. The shingles rash usually shows up on the back, side, abdomen , neck and face. It is often only on half of your body, following the pattern of your nerves. See your healthcare provider if you have a new rash and suspect you may have shingles.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Herpes simplex is a virus. Once you have herpes, its a lifelong condition. A herpes infection can lead to outbreaks , but youll also have times when you have no symptoms. The main sign of herpes is sores that appear on the infected skin. Some people choose not to treat herpes, especially if symptoms are mild. Others take antiviral medications to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/17/2022.

References

What Triggers Feline Herpes

Human contact with herpes secretions from the eyes, nose, or mouth is the most common way for the disease to spread. This can occur either directly between cats or indirectly through shared objects such as food bowls and litter boxes, depending on where cats meet.

A cat that has Feline herpesvirus is one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections . Following an FHV infection, the virus remains in the nerve cells of virtually all cats indefinitely. Chronic infections in the eyes can cause secondary bacterial infections as well as damage to the eyes. Vaccines are required for all cats to be protected from FHV. When there is severe nasal congestion, you may be able to breathe better by steaming or nebulizing. In a colony of cats, a cat that exhibits clinical symptoms should be isolated as soon as possible. Separate feeding bowls, litter trays, and implements for your dog, as well as wash your hands thoroughly before using them.

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