What is Herpes?
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 which is also known as HSV 1 is an oral form of the virus that causes cold sores around the mouth. Herpes Simplex Virus 2 which is also known as HSV 2 causes the same type of sores around the genital area. According to the Centers for Disease Control it estimated that over 45 million people in the United States currently have Herpes Simplex Virus 2. It is also estimated that 65% of Americans have the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 which is the oral form of Herpes.
Are there symptoms when it comes to Herpes?
Unfortunately there are not always symptoms when it comes to Herpes. When it comes to Herpes 1 which is the oral form the cold sores can be painful. As far as Herpes 2 which is the genital form of the virus symptoms are not always present until there is an outbreak. Once there is an outbreak the symptoms can range from burning, itching, blisters, and painful urination. Since symptoms are not always present a person can carry the virus for years before having an outbreak. Getting tested for the virus can tell you in advance if you have Herpes 1 or Herpes 2.
How do you get Herpes?
The Herpes Virus is spread from skin to skin contact with an infected partner. The virus can be spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The virus can enter through an open sore. You can be infected by a partner who carries the virus even if they do not have symptoms or do not have an outbreak at the time of contact.
How can Herpes be prevented?
By not being sexually active is the best method to avoid transmission of the virus. This can give you 100% protection from contracting the virus. For those who are sexually active the use of a latex condom can reduce the risks. For those who are infected with the virus they can reduce the risk of spreading the virus by taking antiviral medications daily. This can reduce the risk of spreading the virus by 50 percent.
How do I get tested for Herpes 1 and Herpes 2?
A specific blood test is given that tests the antibodies for the virus. A highly trained staff member will be able to quickly draw your blood and test it for the virus. The blood test will be able to determine whether you have Herpes 1 or Herpes 2.
What else should I know about getting a tested for Herpes?
The Herpes virus can take anywhere from 2 weeks to six months before the antibodies may be present. During that time a test may not detect the virus. This can give a false negative test result. It is also suggested that if you feel you may have been exposed to the Herpes Virus it is important to get retested after 3 months. At this time the antibodies may be present. In the event that your test results come out positive it may also be important to get retested. Since it is also possible to have a false positive reading.
Once your test results have arrived a doctor will be able to give you a consultation over the phone at no additional charge. If needed they will be able to advice you on your best course of action and write you a prescription.
What if I have the Herpes Virus and don’t know it?
Unfortunately since a lot of people do not experience symptoms until they have an outbreak they are unaware that they have the virus. By having protected sex with the use of a latex condom can lower the risk of contracting the virus. Since this is not a 100% effective way to stop the spread of the virus it is important to get tested so that you will know your status.
What if I’m pregnant?
There is a higher risk factor if you contracted the virus during pregnancy that it could be transmitted to the baby. If you or your partner has the virus your physician may suggest that prescription medication should be taken to help reduce the risks of outbreaks. It is also important to to discuss this with your physician if you feel you may have been exposed to the virus or have the virus.
Can Herpes be cured or treated?
Currently there is not a cure or a vaccine for the Herpes Virus. The Herpes Virus can be managed with antiviral medications that can help reduce and control future outbreaks. These medications can actually help suppress oral and genital Herpes.
How do treatments work for the Herpes virus?
There are several options available when it comes to Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes treatment. There are two common ways that the virus is treated. When it comes to Genital Herpes medications such as Valacyclovir, Acyclovir, and Famcyclovir and can be taken. These medication can help stop the spread of the virus by reducing the risks of having an outbreak. In the event that an outbreak is present medications can be taken to reduce the length of an outbreak.
Do the medications for the treatment of Herpes help keep the disease from spreading?
By taking medications such as Valacyclovir and using a latex condom it can help reduce the spread of the virus to your partner. Unfortunately this can only reduce the risk of your partner contracting the virus by 50 percent. It is also important to avoid sexual contact during outbreaks.
What medications have been approved by the FDA for treating cold sores and fever blisters?
Cold sores and fever blisters should be treated as soon as possible. If you experience symptoms before an outbreak medication can be taken to lessen the effects and may actually to stop an outbreak form happening. The current medications which are topical creams that treat this form of Herpes is Penciclovir 1% cream and Acyclovir 5% cream. The current medications taken orally are Famciclovir and Valacyclovir.
Can you tell me about the test for Herpes?
One quick draw of blood is all you’ll need, and you’ll be on your way. The branded HerpeSelect test that is recommended by the CDC is this is the test we use. They are both accurate, type-specific serology tests that distinguish between Herpes 1 and Herpes 2 antibodies.
The test looks for antibodies that can be developed in the blood that fight these viruses. These can be detected regardless of whether outbreaks of symptoms are present. There is a window period after the initial infection in which the antibodies can develop, and it lasts anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months.
Antibodies may not be able to reach detectable levels in the early stage of infection, so sometimes a “false negative” result can occur. If you feel that you could be at risk for this virus but could have been tested too early, it is recommended that you re-test for confirmation after the “seroconversion” period, or you can choose to be tested 6 weeks after exposure to the virus.
Will I have to be swabbed?
No, there will be no need to get undressed or be swabbed
What do the results of the test mean?
HSV-1 Antibodies are Present (positive result): This will mean that you have a herpes 1 infection. Herpes 1 presents itself in the mouth area for most people. It is less likely to cause recurrent outbreaks, but some people do have genital herpes type 1.
HSV-2 Antibodies are Present (positive result): This result will mean that you have a herpes 2 infection. You have genital herpes, and the virus will be dormant in your sacral nerves.
HSV-2 Antibodies are NOT present (negative result): In this case, you do not have genital herpes unless it was very recently that you contracted it. By 6 weeks after exposure, recent studies have shows that 70-93% of patients will get positive test results. The test stays positive once antibodies are made.
Neither HSV-1 or HSV-2 Antibodies are Present (negative result): This means that you aren’t infected with either Herpes type 1 or type 2. It is possible that you were recently infected, but your body has not yet made antibodies.
Is This A Blood Test Or A Urine Test ?
The test you will be taking is a blood test that will be administered at our lab. There will be no undressing required or painful swabbing.
Will I Need To Fast Or Prepare For A Herpes Test ?
You will not need to fast. Also there is no preparation needed when taking your test.
Who Should Be Tested For Herpes ?
It is recommended that during a routine Sexually Transmitted Disease Test that everyone should have this test done. Data has shown that in the United States 58 percent of the population has tested positive for the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1. Also out of the population 1 in 6 people between the ages of 14-49 have tested positive for Genital Herpes also know as Herpes Simplex Type 2. Since most STD’S do not always have symptoms and most people may have been exposed to this virus it is recommended that everyone should be tested.
Is Herpes Treatable?
Unfortunately there is no known cure for Herpes. With the proper medication and guidance you can lesson your chance of future outbreaks. By reducing outbreaks and taking the necessary precautions this will lower the risks of spreading the virus to others.
What Will The Results Tell Me ?
Your test results will let you know if you have the Herpes Simplex Virus. The test will also determine which type of Herpes Simplex Virus you may have. This test will be able to distinguish between Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 or Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2.