Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common virus that causes blisters and sores. There are two types: HSV-1 which mainly causes cold sores around the lips and mouth and HSV-2 which infects the genital area. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause genital herpes resulting in blisters around the vagina, on the penis, around the anus, or on the buttocks or thighs.
Testing is done by a swab of the affected area. A positive swab confirms you have the virus and your treatment will depend on the location of the blisters and sores. The treatment aims to reduce the symptoms and does not get rid of the virus. Once infected, the HSV stays in your body for life, and it never fully goes away.
Throughout the world, genital herpes infections are the most common cause of genital ulcers. Genital herpes is not a reportable disease in Australia (one that must be reported to your state health body to be added to the Australian Government's National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) which tracks communicable disease activity across the country). This means the exact rates are not known. However, it is estimated that up to 60 per cent of people with genital herpes do not know they are infected because they either don't have any symptoms or else their symptoms are mild.
The HSV is transmitted through direct contact, which include all types of skin-to-skin contact including kissing, vaginal, oral or anal sex. Genital herpes is most easily contracted by having sex with someone who has visible symptoms such as a blister or sore, but it can be transmitted even if there are no sores or other symptoms. People most often catch it by having sex with someone who doesn't know they are infected.
Herpes is generally a mild infection, and many people experience few or no symptoms. When symptoms develop, they are usually no more severe than a rash. At the time of the first infection, it is not uncommon to experience a few days of fever, headache or tiredness as well as some local symptoms (a rash or sores). In more severe cases there may be obvious and painful blisters and sores at the site of infection. These appear within two weeks - typically in five to seven days- after the virus is transmitted and usually heal within two to four weeks.
After the first time someone is infected, the virus goes into an inactive state. This means it is not causing any symptoms, but it is still present in the body. It may cause outbreaks (sores) from time to time without being exposed again. These last for about a week and can be blisters or open sores that crust over and then disappear. Before the sores appear, there can be tingling or stinging in the affected area. Recurrent episodes are usually much less severe than the first outbreak. The frequency and severity of recurrent episodes vary greatly from person to person.
Herpes can spread from the mouth to the eye via touch, or it can reactivate within the nerves of the eye itself. If this happens it is important to seek advice and treatment from a doctor. Serious complications from herpes are unusual. Rarely, herpes can cause serious infection in the blood and internal organs. This type of severe infection is called disseminated herpes and usually only occurs in vulnerable people such as babies and people who have suppressed immune systems.
To test for HSV a swab or scraping is taken from a blister or sore in the mouth or genital area. The sample is sent to the laboratory where the virus is detected using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. A positive swab means these is active herpes, either HSV-1 or HSV-2.
Sample
A swab or scraping from a blister or sore in the infected area. Blood or CSF may be collected in cases of disseminated infection.
Any preparation?
None.
Reading your test report
Your results will generally be presented along with those of your other tests on the same form. You will see separate columns or lines for each of these tests.
| Results for herpes simplex testing will be either negative or positive. | |
| Positive result | You have the infection. If your swab is positive for either or both herpes viruses your doctor will recommend one of several treatments. For genital herpes, the most common treatment is valacyclovir in tablet form. Cold sores are usually treated with topical therapies (ointment or cream you put directly on the sore). Eye infections may be treated with drugs or topical therapies. For immunosuppressed people or babies, the therapy of choice is often intravenous acyclovir. All anti-herpes medications work by stopping the virus from making more copies of itself. Treatments do not cure the herpes infection, but they can shorten the duration of and reduce the severity of outbreaks. Long-term suppressive oral therapy can reduce the frequency of outbreaks. |
| Negative result | Herpes virus was not detected in the collected sample. False negative results (when you test negative but are actually infected) can sometime occur and if your doctor thinks your symptoms are strongly suggestive of an infection, they may ask for you to be retested. |
Herpes is highly infectious (easy to transmit to other people) and the factors that determine the risk of transmission are not entirely clear. Most people contract genital herpes from someone who did not know they were infected. Condom use reduces the risk of herpes transmission.
When someone knows they are infected they can reduce the risk of passing on genital herpes by not having sex during outbreaks, by using antiviral medication, by telling their partners of their infection and by using condoms. However, even when using these methods, the virus can be transmitted and symptoms can develop.
There is no vaccine available for the herpes virus.
Herpes can make it easier to get a HIV infection and can make people who have HIV more infectious to others.
The choice of tests your doctor makes will be based on your medical history and symptoms. It is important that you tell themeverything you think might help.
You play a central role in making sure your test results are accurate. Do everything you can to make sure the information you provide is correct and follow instructions closely.
Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. Find out if you need to fast or stop any particular foods or supplements. These may affect your results. Ask:
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