Herpes 1 & 2
What is Herpes?
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a viral infection. There are 2 common types, Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV 1) and Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV 2). Herpes 2 is commonly known as genital herpes. While either virus can infect oral or genital skin, HSV 1 usually causes cold sores in and around the mouth and HSV 2 is most often found near the genitals. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that least 45 million people in the U.S. have genital herpes. If you’ve had a cold sore, you probably have oral herpes. Approximately 65% of Americans do.
Are there Herpes symptoms?
Oral herpes can show up as painful cold sores in and around the mouth. Genital herpes symptoms may not show up for some time. When genital herpes symptoms do show up, they can bring on itching and burning down below, painful urination, and blisters on genitals. Sores and other symptoms of herpes are called “outbreaks”. You can have herpes and not get an outbreak for years after the first infection. The only way to know you have herpes is to get tested.
How do you get Herpes?
Skin to skin contact, oral, vaginal, and anal sex are the most common ways to get herpes. The easiest way for herpes to spread is when there is an open sore. But you can still get herpes even when your partner is not having symptoms or showing any open sores.
While unpopular, not having sex at all is the only way to be 100% safe from herpes and STDs. If you are sexually active, latex condoms will reduce the risk of transmission. Studies show that when a partner has herpes and takes the drug Valtrex daily, the risk of transmitting the virus is reduced by nearly 50%.
How do I get tested for Herpes 1 and 2?
A type-specific blood test is recommended. That means it can differentiate between Herpes 1 and Herpes 2. The test will check for antibodies that develop in the blood to fight the infection. One quick blood draw is all that is needed.
What else should I know about Herpes Testing?
The window for Herpes antibodies to develop after infection is typically 2 weeks to 6 months. In the early stage of infection, antibodies may not reach detectable levels. This may vary from person to person, which makes it is possible to get a false-negative result. If you believe you have been infected, a repeat test at 3 months after exposure is recommended. There is also a very small chance of a false-positive result. If you believe that you do not have herpes, that your risk for herpes is very low, it is recommended to have another test done at a later date to confirm the results.
What if I have herpes but don’t know it?
About 1 million new genital herpes cases are reported in the U.S every year. Millions more cases are likely unreported because people just don’t know they have the virus. This is why it is critical to wear a condom every time you have sexual intercourse or oral sex. While condoms are the best protection, they are not 100% effective. Get tested for herpes to be 100% sure.
What if I’m pregnant?
The risk of the baby contracting herpes is at the highest if you were infected during pregnancy. If you or someone you know has a herpes outbreak during pregnancy, your health care provider may consider using prescription medication for treatment. Seek medical care and discuss options with a health care provider if you have herpes and are pregnant.
