Herpes testing

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What is Herpes?

Oral herpes, coldsores, genital herpes, HSV 1 and HSV 2 are common names for the herpes simplex virus. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1 & 2 are common human pathogens that live in the nervous system. HSV 1 is primarily known to infect the tongue, mouth, lips, pharynx, and eyes. HSV 2 is primarily known to infect the genital area and cause neonatal infections. Infection may occur by either HSV 1 or HSV 2 at any site. Statistics show that over 30% of genital Herpes simplex virus infections are being caused by HSV 1.

What are some symptoms of Herpes?

For Herpes 1 (HSV 1) symptoms:

• mild or no symptoms may occur
• symptoms are more prevalent in the “oral” area but may occur elsewhere
• painful lesions
• itching, tingling or other sensations
• fever
• 40% of the people who are infected and have outbreaks experience recurring outbreaks approximately 1 time per year.

For Herpes 2 (HSV 2) symptoms:

• mild or no symptoms may occur
• symptoms are more prevalent in the “genital” area but may occur elsewhere
• bilateral lesions in the genital area
• itching, tingling or other sensations
• fever
• 95% of the people who are infected and have outbreaks experience recurring outbreaks approximately 4 or 5 times per year.

Many initial or primary infections are asymptomatic. The first sign of symptoms for herpes may actually be a recurrent or initial non-primary infection. Herpes symptoms tend to weaken over time.

Note: No one should ever assume that they have a particular STD based on symptoms alone. Many of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. The only way to determine whether or not you are infected with HSV (Herpes) is to get tested and/or seek medical attention.

How is Herpes transmitted?

Herpes is transmitted by direct skin to skin contact. The herpes virus is passed from the site of infection to the site of contact. For example, if a person has a cold sore and places their mouth on their partner's genitals, they may give their partner genital herpes. A person may also infect themselves by touching the infected area and then touching another part of their body. Herpes transmission does not exclusively occur during sexual contact. It may also occur during non-sexual skin to skin contact. Herpes may also be transmitted even if herpes symptoms are NOT present. This is known as asymptomatic shedding. Asymptomatic shedding accounts for a substantial proportion of herpes transmissions. A baby may contract Herpes from their infected mother.

Recent studies imply that Herpes sores in the genital area may make a person more prone to contracting HIV from an infected person.

Note: Through the consistent and correct use of latex or polyurethane condoms, a person may greatly reduce their risk of acquiring or transmitting STDs.

Is Herpes curable and what are some treatment options?

Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 are NOT curable but are manageable conditions. As mentioned before, some people may have herpes and never experience symptoms. For those that experience outbreaks, antiviral episodic or suppressive therapy options are available. For most healthy people, herpes simplex 1&2 outbreaks may be uncomfortable but are rarely dangerous.

Other facts and figures:

• It is estimated that 50 million people in the U.S. have a herpes infection.
• 1 in 5 Americans have HSV 2 (genital herpes) but only 1/3 of them know it.
• Approximately 50-80% of the U.S. population has oral herpes.


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