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What is Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Test?
Herpes is an infectious skin disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), it usually occurs in 2 forms (HSV-1 or HSV-2). The infection lasts for a lifetime and is not curable; however, treatments exist to manage symptoms. The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) test is used to detect the presence of antibodies in your body via swab samples or blood samples. The two types of herpes are oral herpes (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2). This skin infection is characterised by painful blisters or skin sores. When a person first gets infected, symptoms are most prominent and may include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Later on, the sores may reappear over the years, either around the mouth or genitals. This test can help to confirm if you have herpes and which type you have.
*Note: HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, but this is not common.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Test used for?
The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) test helps to identify whether your oral or genital blisters are being caused by HSV and to rule out other causes. It may also be done during a pregnancy to check whether the mother or child has herpes.
How to understand the test results of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Test?
Your blood test or swab test will either have a positive or negative result. A positive result means the HSV antibodies were detected and you have been infected. If your results come back negative, it means either that you are not infected or that the test could not detect enough antibodies or viral DNA. If your test is negative but you still have symptoms, your doctor will ask you to get the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) test again.
Why do I need Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Test?
You may need to get tested if you have the symptoms associated with oral or genital herpes including sores around the mouth or genitals, mild fever and fatigue. You may also need this test if your sexual partner or past sexual partners have herpes. Additionally, if you are pregnant and have herpes, your child may need to get tested too.
What happens during Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Test?
During a swab test, a nurse or medical staff will use a swab stick to brush against the sore or blister and take a sample of it. For a blood test, the medical staff will clean your skin, then inject a needle with a syringe into the skin to draw out a sample of blood. There is barely any pain associated with this procedure and it should be completed in a few minutes. Your sample (blood or swab) will be sent to a lab for testing.
What does HSV positive mean?
HSV positive means that your test for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is positive. It means that you are infected with this virus even if you currently are not showing any symptoms.
How do you get the herpes simplex virus?
Transmission of herpes can take place in several ways. As a skin disease, it is transmitted by direct contact with a herpes sore. This can be the skin around the mouth, genitals or anus. Genital herpes can be transmitted during sexual intercourse, kissing and childbirth. In general, direct, physical contact with the mouth or genital sores of an infected person can lead to herpes. Although it is most contagious when the infection first occurs, it can still be transmitted later on as well.
Should I be worried if I have HSV-1?
HSV-1 is the oral form of herpes and results in blisters or cold sores around the mouth, sometimes the sores are present inside the mouth as well. Although this is a recurring disease, usually only the first infection will have moderate symptoms. Roughly 33% of oral herpes cases will have a recurrence. Herpes is not a disease that causes any serious medical conditions apart from the visible sores.
How long is herpes contagious?
As per WHO recommendations, people with herpes are most contagious during an outbreak (which may last several days) and should avoid physical contact with others near the affected areas. Even between outbreaks (when you do not have visible sores), herpes may still be transmitted.
Is HSV-2 worse than HSV-1?
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are generally not life-threatening and the symptoms can usually be treated easily. The risks of both these types are different and depend on each person's situation, with pregnant women facing a big risk of transmitting the virus to their children. HSV-1 may lead to ocular herpes (which affects the eyes), but this is not very common. HSV-2 may lead to
Can you transmit HSV-2 by kissing?
It is uncommon for HSV-2 to be transmitted by kissing but it is possible, however, it is most commonly transmitted sexually. HSV-1 is more commonly transmitted through kissing and oral sex.
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References:
- https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/herpes-hsv-test/
- https://who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151739#causes
- https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=herpes_simplex_antibody#:
- https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/herpes-simplex-virus
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4248-genital-herpes-hsv-2
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