Herpes
There are two types of Herpes:

• - HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1)
• - HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2)

Results of a nationally representative study show that genital herpes infection is common in the United States.

More Information

HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1)

HSV-1 is typically an infection of the oral cavity. However, HSV-1 of the genitals can be caused by oral-to-genital contact with a person who has an HSV-1 infection. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from an HSV-1 infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the mouth and lips.

These infections are commonly called "fever blisters" or "cold sores". The blisters usually break, leaving tender ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. During the first year, most people can expect to have several (typically four or five) outbreaks. Although the infection stays in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years. In people with suppressed immune systems, the outbreaks may occur more often and may be more severe.

HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2)

HSV-2 is typically an infection of the genitals that can occur in both men and women. However, HSV-2 infections of the oral cavity can occur if genital-to-oral contact happens with and individual who is HSV-2 infected. Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of four) than in men (almost one out of five).

Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know he or she is infected. Most individuals with HSV-2 infection never have sores, or they may have very mild signs that they do not even notice or that they mistake for insect bites or another skin condition. When symptoms do occur, they appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum.

The blisters usually break, leaving tender ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. During the first year, most people can expect to have several (typically four or five) outbreaks. Although the infection stays in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years. In people with suppressed immune systems, the outbreaks may occur more often and may be more severe.

Herpes Test

HSV Types 1 & 2 - lgG

This test is an antibody test for the Herpes Simplex Virus. This test is type specific, but it is impossible to conclusively state where any particular infection is located on the body, absent of any symptoms. It is also impossible to determine how long the virus has been present in the body.

HSV Types 1 & 2 - IgM

This particular test is not type specific. It can only determine whether or not the antibodies that are typically produced shortly after the initial contact with HSV are present. These antibodies begin to appear approximately 1 week after the virus is contracted.

Feel free to call one of our trained STD counselors or nurses for more information on the Herpes Testing.

The symptoms of genital herpes vary greatly from person to person, with many people having no noticeable symptoms (asymptomatic).

- usually develop within 2 to 20 days after contact

- could continue up to 2 weeks

- may be so mild it goes unnoticed

- may take longer or be less severe in some people, especially in those with partial immunity to the virus from having facial herpes, e.g. cold sores.

- in the first attack sometimes causes visible sores

- last between 10 - 21 days