Are You Infected With HSV? Here’s How to Get a Reliable Diagnosis

Getting infected with an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) is nothing to be ashamed of. Unlike what most people believe, an infected person will not be frowned upon by healthcare professionals. Instead, healthcare providers will adopt a caring, understanding and empathetic approach to make the affected person feel comfortable about undergoing tests and seeking treatment.

Symptoms of HSV1 and HSV 2

HSV1 and HSV2 are common STDs that can be easily detected and treated if you go in for STD screening at your nearest urgent care clinic. In most cases, HSV infections cause multiple symptoms such as painful blisters on the skin, small sores along the mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose or throat, and sores in the vagina, rectum or urethra.

While some people experience outbreak of sores in just one part of the body, others may note multiple outbreaks. Based on a physical examination of your symptoms, you may be recommended to go in for herpes tests such as HSV1 and HSV2 testing in Arlington VA designed to identify the presence of HSV (herpes si

mplex virus).

Identifying HSV1 and HSV2

Both HSV1 and HSV2 are characterized by painful sores in different parts of the body. Unless you undergo Arlington HSV 1 HSV2 testing, it is impossible to be sure which version you have been infected with. And this confirmation is vital to begin your treatment.

In most people, HSV1 causes fever blisters on the lips or around the mouth. The infection can be passed on by kissing people who already have an outbreak of sores. Sharing utensils with infected people is another way in which the infection may spread. In rare cases, HSV1 may lead to blisters in the genital area.

HSV2 is the leading cause of sores in genital areas such as around the penis or vagina. When women with genital sores give birth vaginally, they can transmit the infection to their newborns. The infection is generally passed on through sexual intercourse. If left untreated, the infection may turn aggressive and infect the brain or eyes in some rare cases.

Tests for HSV1 and HSV2

You may have to provide urine, blood, spinal fluid or swab of genital sores for herpes tests. Some of the tests include:

• Antigen test to detect herpes virus

Skin scraping from a sore is used to conduct this HSV1 and HSV2 testing in Arlington VA. The collected sample is examined under a microscope for the presence of antigens or biomarkers found on infected cells.

• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test

This test has been designed to detect the DNA of the virus in a sample of fluid or cells from a sore. It is also effective in confirming the type of HSV infection.

• Herpes viral culture test

Fluid from a sore is injected into cells in the lab and observed for signs of infection. If the cells become infected, the result will be positive.

Remember that herpes infection is not completely curable even with treatment. The virus can remain concealed in the body for a lifetime and lead to outbreaks in the future as well. However, with HSV1 and HSV2 testing in Arlington VA, diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to keep the symptoms in check and ensure that the outbreaks are less severe.