How To Test For Herpes 1 And 2

Herpes Type 1 & 2 Test

The Herpes Type 1 & 2 Test is designed to determine if youve contracted HSV-1 or HSV-2. Typically HSV-1 is associated with oral herpes and HSV-2 is associated with genital herpes, although either strain can appear on either part of the body. Both oral and genital herpes are extremely common and are spread by coming into contact with another persons open sores. Transmission is not exclusive to sexual intercourse or contact. In fact, many people contract HSV-1 as children after being kissed innocently by a well-intentioned relative. There is currently no cure for either HSV-1 or HSV-2, but both can be treated and your physician will be able to discuss the right treatment options for you with the help of this Herpes Type 1 & 2 Test.

Testing Method:

What Abnormal Results Mean

A positive test means you have been infected with HSV recently or at some point in the past.

Tests can be done to help determine if you have a recent infection.

About 70% of adults have been infected by HSV-1 and have antibodies against the virus. About 20% to 50% of adults will have antibodies against the HSV-2 virus, which causes genital herpes.

HSV stays in your system once you have been infected. It may be “asleep” , and cause no symptoms, or it may flare up and cause symptoms. This test cannot tell whether you are having a flare-up.

Signs And Symptoms Of Herpes

Oral herpes is an infection in the mouth, caused by HSV-1 . Symptoms often include cold sores or fever blisters, but you can have oral herpes without any symptoms.

The herpes simplex virus can be dormant until an active outbreak occurs. The initial infection typically has the worst symptoms, ranging from flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes to headaches. Sores may occur in and around the lips and mouth. Recurring infections are usually milder, and may include redness, itching, or swelling. Painful, fluid-filled blisters can occur and are highly contagious. These blisters often turn into sores , which will then scab over and typically heal in a few days.

Symptoms of genital herpes range from none to more severe manifestations . The majority of genital HSV infections are mild, with little to no symptoms following the initial outbreak. For people who do experience symptoms, the usual course begins with genital inflammation, where the skin may itch or burn. Blister-like sores may appear. The sores may open, scab over, and heal.

Other indirect symptoms that can occur during an active herpes virus infection include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a burning sensation during urination.

If you think you may have a herpes infection, home testing could be a convenient option for you. If youâre wondering how to get tested for herpes at home, thereâs good news: testing for HSV-2 is easy with the Everlywell female STD Test or male STD Test.

Don’t Miss: How To Heal Herpes Naturally

How Do You Treat Herpes Type 1

Unfortunately, there is no cure for herpes and the infection is life-long. However, outbreaks usually taper off the longer an individual carries the virus and outbreaks can stop occurring entirely. Antiviral medication can help manage symptoms by reducing the length and severity of outbreaks. Since risk of transmission is higher when there is an active outbreak, knowing your status and receiving medication can help reduce the risk of giving your partner herpes.

Herpes Is A Common Infection

Herpes is a super-common infection that stays in your body for life. More than half of Americans have oral herpes, and about 1 out of 6 Americans has genital herpes. So chances are a few people you know are living with herpes.

Theres no cure for herpes, but medication can ease your symptoms and lower your chances of giving the virus to other people. And the good news is, outbreaks usually become less frequent over time, and even though herpes can sometimes be uncomfortable and painful, its not dangerous. People with herpes have relationships, have sex, and live perfectly healthy lives.

Recommended Reading: How To Know If You Have Genital Herpes

Don’t Miss: Where Can I Get Herpes Medication

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.

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.

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.

You May Like: What To Do When You Think You Have Herpes

What Should I Do If My Test Results Are Positive

Many at-home services have independent physicians or nurses reach out to people with positive test results. Theyll discuss your results with you and suggest a plan of action, possibly including medication.

If your results are positive, its important to let any recent sexual partners know so they can also get tested.

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

Also Check: How Do You Stop Herpes From Spreading

What Are They Selling At Healthtestingcenterscom

Everybody who wants to check their health condition can use this health testing service provided by Health Testing Centers. There are many tests available for you to take from general screening tests to allergy testing to 10 test STD panel. Transparency of the price can also be clearly seen on the websites.

This company promises confidentiality as its key to giving the service. None of the data nor the results of your tests will be acknowledged by other people. The data center is the only place where all your data will be stored. That way, you have no other reasons to have your health checked as embarrassment in doing sensitive test has been eliminated.

A Quick Look At The 6 Best At

• Best herpestest subscription:LetsGetChecked
• Best STI panel test for herpes:Everlywell
• Best convenient herpestest:MyLAB Box
• Best affordable herpes test:HealthLabs
• Best test for early herpes detection:Priority STD
• Best herpes test for quick results: STDcheck

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

• Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations.
• Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
• Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
• Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
• Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.

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.

Also Check: Does Stress Cause Herpes Outbreaks

Do I Have To Specifically Ask For A Herpes Blood Test

You may need to speak with your medical provider if you want the herpes blood test. Even if you ask for all of the recommended testing for STDs, the blood test for herpes may not be included. This is because the local risk factors for infection and behavioral habits will determine if a doctor feels this test is necessary.

STD testing is generally performed on infections which have a serious outcome to the individual involved if the infection is not addressed. Since genital herpes does not cause serious consequences or outcomes for non-pregnant individuals, the testing may not even be ordered. If you are worried about this infection, however, you should speak to your doctor about your risks, your symptoms, and whatever treatment may be necessary.

Herpes is not considered a notifiable disease in the United States either, which means there is no specific data collected about this STD.

How Accurate Is The Herpeselect Herpes Type 1 Blood Test

This test is 97-99% accurate if tested between 4-6 weeks post exposure and will remain 99% accurate after 6 weeks.

Most people develop detectable antibodies within the recommended window period after their potential exposure, but everyone reacts differently to a viral infection. It can take people between 2 weeks and 6 months after infection to develop enough antibodies to be detected. Retesting can ensure your results are as accurate as possible.

Don’t Miss: Can The Emergency Room Test For Herpes

What Can I Do About Genital Herpes

So heres the good news: herpes is rarely a serious health issue. Although there can be a negative stigma associated with those who have an outbreak and the blistering sores may change sexual habits, a majority of those infected have no symptoms at all.

If you do request a herpes blood test, ask if your doctor is going to be performing a type-specific test. These blood tests tend to be more reliable.

Should the blood test come back as positive, how your treatment plan develops will depend on other health conditions that may be affecting you. Suppressive therapies and other medication may be ordered, but in some patients, careful watching and waiting may be the best solution. If suppressive therapies are ordered, this will mean taking a drug every day that youll have to pay for.

Genital herpes can be detected with a herpes blood test. If no symptoms are being experienced, your doctor may wish to hold off on testing to avoid a false positive. And, if youre concerned about your sexual health for any reason, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.

Do You Offer Treatment

We currently only offer treatment options for patients who test positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis. If you receive a positive result, simply call and speak with a care counselor to schedule a phone consultation with a physicianno office visit is needed. We are partnered with physicians at PWNHealth so treatment can be prescribed if appropriate in all states. You must have a positive result before treatment can be authorized. The physician consult fee is $65.

You May Like: What Causes Constant Herpes Outbreaks

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

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.

Don’t Miss: How Do You Test For Herpes

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.

How To Choose The Right Herpes Test For You

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.

Recommended Reading: Dr Sebi Curr For Herpes

Whats The Difference Between Genital Herpes And Oral Herpes

Because there are 2 different kinds of herpes simplex viruses that can live on many body parts, lots of people are confused about what to call these infections. But its actually pretty simple:

• When you get either HSV-1 or HSV-2 on or around your genitals , its called genital herpes.

• When you get either HSV-1 or HSV-2 in or around your lips, mouth, and throat, its called oral herpes. Oral herpes sores are sometimes called cold sores or fever blisters.

HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, and HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes each strain prefers to live on its favorite area. But its totally possible for both types of herpes simplex to infect either area. For example, you can get HSV-1 on your genitals if someone with a cold sore on their lips gives you oral sex. And you can get HSV-2 in your mouth if you give oral sex to someone with HSV-2 on their genitals.

Who Is Rapid Std Testing

Rapid STD Testing is a division of Rapid Screening Test Centre who is predominant test center for STDs and sexual diseases in US. They are the best center with Doctors and professionals who are sexual health experts. These doctors and professional sexual health experts are used to test the patient with different test panels to produce exact result. With 4000 test centers they are the one of the leading and best STD test center in the country.

You May Like: How Do I Treat Herpes

What Is The Herpes Simplex Virus

The herpes simplex virus is a type of virus that causes infections in humans. Approximately 3.7 billion people under the age of fifty â or 67% â have been infected with HSV-1 in their lifetimes. There are about 491 million cases of HSV-2 worldwide â or 13% of the global population between the ages of 15 and 49.

HSV is spread through direct contact with the virus. This can happen during sex or while giving birth.

The virus leads to an increased risk of infection with human immunodeficiency virus . It can also cause you to develop more severe conditions if you have a compromised immune system.

HSV can have particularly problematic results if youâre infected with the virus when youâre born. The chance of passing it on while pregnant is low but â if it happens â it can lead to disabilities and death.

Thereâs also a social stigma associated with this virus that can be damaging to your mental health if you ever become infected.

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.

You May Like: Can Herpes Cause Kidney Problems