Herpes test are done to find the herpes simplex virus (HSV). A herpes simplex virus infection can cause small, painful sores that look like blisters on the skin or the tissue lining (mucous membrane) of the throat, nose, mouth, urethra, rectum and vagina. A herpes infection may cause only a single outbreak of herpes sores, but in many cases the person will have many more herpes outbreaks.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: Herpes Simplex type 1 which causes herpes cold sores also called fever herpes blisters on the lips. Herpes Simplex type 1 is generally spread by kissing or by sharing eating utensils such as spoons or forks when herpes sores are present. Herpes Simplex type 1 can also cause herpes sores around the genital area.

The second type of herpes simplex virus is the herpes simplex type 2 which causes herpes sores in the genital area (genital herpes), such as on or around the vagina or penis. Herpes simplex type 2 also causes the herpes infection seen in babies who are delivered vaginally in women who have genital herpes. Herpes simplex type 2 is generally spread by sexual contact. Herpes simplex type 2 can also sometimes cause mouth sores.
In rare cases, herpes simplex virus can infect other parts of the body such as the eyes, ocular herpes, and the brain, herpes encephalitis.

Tests for herpes simplex virus are most often done only for sores in the genital area. In rare cases, the test may be done using other types of samples, such as spinal fluid, blood, urine, or tears. To see whether sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus, different types of herpes tests may be done.

Herpes blood tests are generally used in cases where there are no visible herpes symptoms present. A herpes blood test works by detecting the presence of herpes antibodies. There is a possibility that the virus will not show up in a blood test and a positive result is not always indicative that a person has genital herpes.
Firstly, after the first exposure to herpes, a person may take several weeks to develop the antibodies that the tests look for. Usually, it takes two weeks to three months after exposure to herpes for antibodies to appear in the blood. Some herpes blood tests detect antibodies sooner than others. However, once antibodies are found they remain in the body for life. Also, antibodies may disappear with time, especially if the person has infrequent recurrences of herpes.
Secondly, blood tests cannot tell the difference between the two types of herpes virus, herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2. For this reason, anyone seeking an accurate diagnosis of genital herpes must be sure to get a “type-specific” serologic test, which can accurately distinguish herpes simplex type 1 from herpes simplex type 2 antibodies. Most commercially available kit assays currently cannot make this distinction despite their claims. It should also be taken note that the herpes blood test cannot tell: which part of your body is infected (lips or genitals), whether you will develop symptoms of herpes or if your symptoms are due to herpes.

Blood tests can find antibodies that are made by the immune system to fight a herpes infection. Antibody tests are sometimes done but are not as accurate as a viral culture at finding the cause of a specific sore or ulcer. Antibody tests cannot tell the difference between a current active herpes infection and a herpes infection that occurred in the past. Because antibodies take time to develop after the first infection, you may not have a positive antibody test if you have just recently been infected. Some blood tests can tell the difference between Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Herpes Simplex Virus 2.
It is thought that about half of adults in the United States likely have herpes antibodies.

Oral herpes, also known as herpes labialis or herpes cold sores is one of many subtypes of the herpes virus. Oral herpes is also known as the most common form of herpes, typically caused by herpes simplex virus or HSV-1 although herpes simplex virus 2 which is more commonly known to cause genital herpes can also sometimes cause oral herpes as well. Because both herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 may cause oral herpes, there are several considerations in preventing oral herpes.
A manifestation of oral herpes or herpes cold sores is small herpes blisters found inside your mouth or on your lips. Since this is a virus, cold sores can easily be transmitted and spread through direct contact, particularly when kissing or during oral sex.
The herpes virus can be treated but not cured. The herpes virus is believed to be more contagious during active periods when herpes blisters are present and herpes lesions are visible. However, the herpes virus can be transmitted person-to-person at any time, even when herpes lesions are not visible.

This is why it is important to know and practice all the ways in which you can safeguard yourself against getting infected with oral herpes.

Oral herpes prevention #1
One of the most important herpes prevention steps you can take is to maintain your immune system since viruses usually thrive when your body’s immune defense system is low, there is a higher likelihood of an outbreak if you suffer from other illnesses, are extremely stressed or very tired. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise and avoid excessive stress.

Oral herpes prevention #2
Another oral herpes prevention step you can take is to exercise cautious saliva-swapping. Herpes virus is highly contagious and easily transmitted through saliva. Avoid kissing others that have herpes virus or herpes symptoms. Also avoid sharing cups, silverware and other items potentially contaminated with saliva. Make sure you always have your own eating utensils. Straws, forks, cups-all these seemingly innocent items can also be a pathway for getting the herpes virus.

Oral herpes prevention #3
Maintain your personal bubble. Again, the herpes virus is highly contagious. Keep reasonable distance from those suffering from a herpes outbreak in social and work situations.

Oral herpes prevention #4
The practice of safe sex is another oral herpes preventive step. If a sexual partner is suffering a herpes outbreak of genital herpes, use condoms or practice abstinence from any form of sexual activity. Use latex condoms during all sexual contact. Spermicidal foams and jellies may offer added protection from the herpes virus, although this is highly debated. Oral herpes can be caught from having contact with someone who has genital herpes.  Although Herpes Simplex Virus 2 generally causes genital herpes, it can cause oral herpes as well.
Oral herpes prevention #5
Practice safe sun-exposure. Wear sunscreen and use an SPF lip balm. Or, avoid exposure to the sun altogether if you are prone to oral herpes outbreaks.

Oral herpes prevention #6
Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have contracted oral herpes. Your doctor will usually prescribe an oral herpes antiviral medication and offer herpes treatment and future herpes prevention advice.

Oral herpes prevention #7
Refrain from touching the herpes sores of another person. Touching the herpes sores then touching another part of your body can spread the herpes virus to yourself. If you touch a herpes sore, wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible.

Oral herpes prevention #8
Try to avoid using someone else’s makeup products, especially lipgloss or lipstick. These simple beauty tools can provide unassuming pathways for the oral herpes virus to spread.

Oral herpes prevention #9
Limit the number of sexual partners you have. Doing so can help you prevent contracting oral herpes.

Preventing the herpes virus is much easier than treating the herpes symptoms of the disease. Once you have been infected with the herpes virus, you will have it for life. Avoiding those who are infected with herpes virus, and situations in which spreading of the herpes virus can occur, may be the best way to protect yourself from getting infected with the herpes virus.
Make sure you understand how to recognize and deal with oral herpes to reduce your chances of contracting the herpes virus.

Treatment with antiviral drugs can help people who are bothered by herpes outbreaks stay symptom-free longer. These drugs can also reduce the severity and duration of herpes symptoms when they flare up. Drug therapy is not a cure for herpes, but it can make living with herpes condition easier.
There are three major drugs commonly used to treat genital herpes symptoms: acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These are all taken in pill form. Severe cases may be treated with intravenous (IV) acyclovir.
Formulas applied to the surface of the skin provide little benefit, and doctors don’t usually recommend them.

Genital Herpes Drug Medication #1: Famciclovir
Famciclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. It treats shingles caused by herpes zoster. It also treats herpes outbreaks of herpes simplex that cause herpes cold sores around the mouth, herpes sores around the anus, and genital herpes. In people with frequent genital herpes outbreaks, famciclovir is used to help reduce the number of future episodes.
Famciclovir is an antiviral drug. However, it is not a cure for these herpes infections. The herpes viruses that cause these herpes infections continue to live in the body even between herpes outbreaks. Famciclovir decreases the severity and length of these herpes outbreaks. It helps the herpes sores heal faster, keeps new herpes sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the herpes sores heal. In addition, in people with a weakened immune system, famciclovir can decrease the risk of the herpes virus spreading to other parts of the body and causing serious herpes infections.

Genital Herpes Drug Medication #2: Valtrex
Valacyclovir is used in children to treat herpes cold sores (herpes labialis) and chickenpox (varicella zoster). It is used in adults to treat herpes cold sores and shingles (herpes zoster). Valacyclovir does not cure these herpes diseases, but it may decrease pain and help herpes sores heal faster. Valacyclovir belongs to a class of medications known as antivirals.
Valacyclovir is also used to treat people with genital herpes who are currently having a genital herpes outbreak. It can also be used to prevent a herpes outbreak (suppressive therapy). This medication helps control herpes symptoms, but does not cure the herpes disease or prevent herpes infection of sexual partners.
If you are taking valacyclovir for treatment of genital herpes, it is important to follow safe sex practices to lower the chance of giving herpes to your partner, even if there are no herpes symptoms present. Always use a condom made of latex or polyurethane. When you have herpes symptoms or are experiencing a herpes outbreak, do not have sexual contact with your partner.

Genital Herpes Drug Medication #3: Zovirax
Acyclovir is used to treat herpes infections caused by certain types of viruses. It treats herpes cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex), shingles (caused by herpes zoster), and chickenpox.
This medication is also used to treat genital herpes outbreaks. In people with frequent herpes outbreaks, acyclovir is used to help reduce the number of future herpes episodes.
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. However, it is not a cure for these herpes infections. The herpes viruses that cause these herpes infections continue to live in the body even between herpes outbreaks. Acyclovir decreases the severity and length of these herpes outbreaks. It helps the herpes sores heal faster, keeps new herpes sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the herpes sores heal. In addition, in people with a weakened immune system, acyclovir can decrease the risk of the herpes virus spreading to other parts of the body and causing serious herpes infections.

Side Effects of Herpes Medical Drugs and Follow-up Care for Herpes

Side effects with these drugs are considered mild, and health experts believe these drugs are safe in the long term. Acyclovir is the oldest of the three, and its safety has been documented in people taking herpes suppressive therapy for several years.
People taking herpes suppressive therapy should see their doctor at least once a year to decide if they should continue. You may find taking the pills every day to be inconvenient, the drugs may not work for you, or you may naturally have fewer herpes outbreaks as time goes on. Your doctor can help you make herpes treatment choices to suit your needs.

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