How Long To Wait To Get Tested For Herpes

What Is An Std Incubation Period

When to get tested for an STD is an important question. To determine when you should get tested, its important to understand how the body responds to STDs.

If you are exposed to an STD, your body will need time to recognize it in your system. Once the STD has been detected, your body will begin to produce antibodies to fight it. The time that it takes your body to identify the STD and produce these antibodies is known as the incubation period.

Most STD tests determine whether or not you have an STD by looking for the presence of specific types of antibodies in a sample of your blood, urine, or saliva. If these antibodies are present, you will test positive, but if they are not present in your sample, you will test negative.

Because STD tests look for the presence of antibodies, testing too early could lead to false negative results. If you take a test during the incubation period, your body may not have had enough time to produce antibodies yet, which means you could test negative even if you really are infected. Thats why it is so important to wait until the incubation period is over to get tested for STDs.

How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Herpes Simplex

Preventing HSV-1

You can reduce your risk of contracting HSV-1 by avoiding physical contact with someone who has a cold sore. People can still spread HSV-1 when cold sores arent present, but its less likely.

If someone has an active HSV-1 infection, avoid:

• Sharing utensils, cups, lip balms or other personal care products.
• Touching the skin near their mouth.

Preventing HSV-2

If youre sexually active, you can take these steps to protect yourself and others from the herpes virus and other STIs:

• Be monogamous with one sexual partner or limit your number of partners.
• Get tested for STIs and complete any prescribed treatment.
• Tell your sexual partners if you have genital herpes so they can get tested.
• Use condoms during intercourse and dental dams during oral sex.

Wash your hands often if you have an outbreak or are around someone with symptoms.

If your sexual partner has genital herpes, these actions can lower your risk of getting the virus:

• Dont have sex when your partner has active symptoms. Condoms may not cover all sores, so you may still get the virus.
• Make sure your partner takes antiviral medication as prescribed.
• Wait to have sex until scabs fall off active lesions.

How Is Herpes Simplex Treated

Some people have few to no herpes outbreaks and choose not to have treatment. But many people prefer to use medications that shorten outbreaks and reduce symptoms.

During an outbreak, you may use an antiviral ointment or cream to help lessen your symptoms and help them go away faster, but it only works if you start it soon after you start an outbreak. Many people with HSV-2 take daily oral medications to keep outbreaks at bay.

Your provider may prescribe a topical medication or oral medication such as:

Read Also: Why Am I Having Frequent Herpes Outbreaks

Medical Experts You Can Trust

The myLAB Box medical team takes pride in having earned a reputation over the years for clinical excellence, customer service and thought-leadership.

We work with the top research organizations and experts in sexual health, STI prevention, wellness and more. With myLAB Box you not only get unprecedented access to at-home tests for all your needs but can enjoy peace of mind connecting with the best medical professionals and resources.

• No extra cost or co-pays required.
• We are committed to meeting the highest standards of ethics and care.
• We look forward to serving you!

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.

Also Check: How To Reduce Herpes On Lips

What Is Herpes Early Detection Testing

A herpes early detection test is an FDA-approved blood analysis, often referred to as herpes IgM testing. This early form of STD testing can identify the presence of the herpes simplex virus as soon as 10 days after exposure.

While there is no cure for the herpes virus, the earlier you get tested, the sooner you can prevent painful outbreaks.1 With Priority STD Testing, you can get tested for herpes quickly at local, private testing centers.

Order

Purchase your STD lab order privately online or over the phone. The process is simple, quick, and secure. Our care counselors are available to answer any questions you may have or help schedule STD testing.

Visit

Get tested same day at any of our 4,000 private locations, no appointment is needed after ordering. Our collection facilities are discreet, professional, and value your privacy. No other patients will know the reason for your visit.

Results

STD test results are processed typically just 24-72 hours after collection. You can access your results online through a secure patient login, or by calling one of our care counselors. Treatment options are available as well.

Pathogen And Antibody Tests

In theory, tests that look directly for the pathogen should become positive faster. That’s because pathogens are there from the start of the infection. However, these tests often require samples from an infected location on the body to work. That’s not always easy to come by.

For example, herpes swabs are notoriously sensitive to timing. They only work during a very short window of active infection. The accuracy and ease of these tests usually depend on the type of disease being tested for. New tools have allowed healthcare providers to develop reliable urine testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other infections, such as human papillomavirus and herpes, may be more difficult to detect without the presence of an obvious sore or lesion.

In contrast, blood tests that look for antibodies don’t require a healthcare provider to know where to sample. What they do require is time to turn positive. Your body’s immune system must first react to the infection and then produce detectable levels of antibodies for these tests to work.

Different types of antibodies peak at different times after infection. In some cases, this fact can be used to determine how long you’ve been infected with an STI. However, the delayed response also affects how long it takes for a test to become reasonably predictive of infection.

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What Is An Incubation Period

The incubation period is the time needed for the body to develop its response, following an infection. So, when the body gets exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, it starts preparing for an antibody attack to fight it off. As a result, symptoms start appearing. In other words, it is the interval of time between when the person gets exposed to an STD and when symptoms start appearing.

You should not get confused about the incubation and the window period.

What Happens During A Herpes Test

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 aren’t 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.

Recommended Reading: How To Deal With Herpes Diagnosis

What Are The Symptoms Of The Herpes Simplex Virus

In most cases of infection with the herpes simplex virus, you wonât have any symptoms at all or theyâll be very mild. Typically, your first outbreak is the most severe. Symptoms will periodically come back, but studies show that these bouts are shorter and less symptomatic than the first.

Breakouts typically happen in the genital region when you have HSV-2 and near your lips when you have HSV-1. But you can also get HSV-1 infections in your genital region.

Symptoms include:

• Blisters that appear either individually or in clusters they can be quite painful and may ooze.
• Soreness, pain, and burning at the infection site
• Body aches and pains

Best Convenient Herpes Test: Mylab Box

People can order at-home herpes tests from MyLAB Box. These kits contain instructions, a specimen bag, and a prepaid return envelope. Users may find this test convenient because of its quick turnaround for results and the option to book a free consultation and get treatment.

Once a person receives their collection kit, they can collect their sample using the instructions. They can then use the prepaid envelope to send it to the laboratory.

People should receive their results within 25 days. If the test is positive, they can book a free consultation with a doctor to discuss their results and treatment options. The doctor may then prescribe treatment.

This at-home test only works for people who wish to test for genital herpes. The company does not offer test kits for oral herpes.

The kit costs $89 as a stand-alone test, but the company also markets other kits that test for different infections. For example, if a person also wishes to test for other STIs, they can purchase the Total Box 14 Panel option or the Uber Box 8 Panel option.

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What Is Neonatal Herpes

Neonatal herpes can be a very serious infection. Babies generally contract the virus from their birthing parent during childbirth even if the parent doesnt have active lesions. They may also get HSV-1 if an adult with an active cold sore kisses them. Breastfeeding babies can also get HSV-1 from the breast if there are lesions present. But babies cant get herpes from breast milk, so its safe to pump and feed.

Herpes simplex can be more dangerous for young babies because they dont have a fully developed immune system. But most babies with neonatal herpes can recover fully with treatment.

The dangers of neonatal herpes are much higher if the infection spreads to the babys organs. If youre pregnant and have herpes, speak with your healthcare provider about how to lower the risk of passing the infection to your baby.

Std Testing By Population:

• Pregnant Women: The CDC recommends that all pregnant women be screened for syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis B . For women with higher risk factors, Chlamydia and gonorrhea tests early on in the pregnancy.
• Sexually active women under 25: Yearly testing for Chlamydia, gonorrhea.
• Everyone 13-65: Test for HIV at least once.
• People who have unsafe sex: Get screened for HIV annually. Also be screened for Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
• Sexually active men who have sex with men: HIV testing every 3-6 months would be beneficial, according to the CDC.
• Baby Boomers : Baby boomers have a high rate of Hepatitis C. In fact, 75% of cases are in this generation.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Test For Genital Herpes

Now Get Tested For Herpes Without The Wait

How Herpes IgM Testing Works

Getting tested for herpes can be stressful, but it doesnt have to be! There is no shame in getting tested. In fact, its a very positive step to take for both yourself and your partner.

For herpes IgM testing, CLIA-certified labs collect a non-invasive blood sample and search for the presence of HSV-1 or HSV-2 antibodies. This type of testing allows for accurate results as early as 10 days after exposure. Then, results are made available to you within 3-5 business days after collection, through our private online portal.

Why Order Herpes IgM Testing

If you suspect youve been exposed to herpes, its likely that you dont want to wait long to get answers or treatment. But, herpes testing normally requires a waiting period of at least 12 days after exposure.

An untreated herpes infection can lead to complications, so treatment should not be postponed. Not only can the virus cause uncomfortable sores but pregnant women can risk passing the virus during birth.2 Contracting herpes has also been connected to a higher risk of HIV.3

For this reason, early detection herpes testing is a great option for those looking to catch the virus sooner rather than later.

When to Get Tested

For herpes IgM testing, we recommend waiting 10 days before getting tested to ensure the most accurate results. If you are pregnant or start to experience common herpes symptoms such as cold sores, body aches or painful urination, you should get tested as soon as possible.

How Long Does It Take For Symptoms Of Herpes To Appear

It generally takes anywhere from 4 to 7 days for herpes symptoms to appear. Both genital and oral herpes outbreaks have similar symptoms.

The primary symptom of a herpes outbreak is sores that resemble blisters, called herpes lesions, on the mouth or genitals.

In addition, people may also experience the following symptoms prior to the outbreak:

• pain and redness, especially around the area the outbreak will occur
• itching and tingling, primarily in the outbreak area
• flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, or swollen lymph nodes

Most of the symptoms that occur before an outbreak indicate that the virus is replicating. Symptoms are usually the worst during the first herpes outbreak.

According to the

Some people with the herpes virus are asymptomatic, which means that they dont experience any physical symptoms of the disease. This doesnt mean that they cant spread the disease, however.

Anyone who has the herpes virus, whether symptomatic or not, can spread the virus to others.

If you have the herpes virus and your body has produced antibodies, it can be detected on a blood test, even if you have no symptoms. The only time the virus might not be detected on a test is if youve been tested too early.

Read Also: What Causes Genital Herpes Flare Ups

How Is Herpes Treated

Herpes cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Medications are available that can prevent or shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks. There is a medicine that you can take on a daily basis that can help prevent outbreaks and also lower your risk of spreading the virus to others. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir can suppress outbreaks and shorten the duration of symptoms and active shedding of virus.

How Long Does It Take For Hiv To Show Up

The human immunodeficiency virus is a sexual infection that can lead to AIDS. In the United States, one out of four infected individuals is a woman. More than one million American live with this infection. The most common signs of HIV are body rashes, fever, sore throat and severe headaches. Weight loss is also common, along with enlarged yeast infections and flaky skins.

HIV Incubation Period: the incubation period of HIV is between two to four weeks after being exposed to the virus. Thats when symptoms like the flu start appearing and can last for many weeks.

HIV Window Period: window periods can differ between a virus to testing technique and another. An HIV antibody test would need a period of 30 to 90 days to show a correct result.

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How Long Does It Take For Herpes To Show Up

Herpes simplex viruses come in two main types: type-1 that is also referred to as oral herpes and type -2 that is referred to as genital herpes. The first type causes sores around the mouth and lips. The second type causes these sores around the genital area. Both are distinct. This means that you cannot get oral herpes from a person who is infected with genital herpes.

HSV1 & HSV2 Incubation Periods: the initial incubation period for a herpes infection is between 2 and 12 days with an average of 4 days. When the vesicles break, leading to ulcers, it will take the person 2 to 4 weeks to heal.

HSV1 & HSV2 Window Periods: the seroconversion period of this STD is 3-6 weeks. This is the time needed for the person to produce antibodies that can be de detected by testing. The majority of infected individuals have reported detectable antibodies around 16 weeks post exposure.

How Long To Wait For A Herpes Test

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Are There Other Types Of Herpes Viruses Besides Hsv

Yes. There are over 25 viruses in the herpes family and at least 8 types that infect humans. These include herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 discussed in this article as well as varicella zoster virus , associated with chickenpox and shingles, Epstein Barr virus , which can cause infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus , human herpes virus 6 and human herpes virus 7 , both associated with roseola in young children, and human herpes virus 8 , which has been found in tumors in people with Kaposi’s sarcoma . KS primarily affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS and organ transplant recipients.