What is Herpes Simplex Virus?
The herpes simplex is a highly-transmittable virus that affects both men and women. There are two different types of this virus. One that affects the lips and mouth: it is called oral herpes, or HSV-1; and, the other affects the genital area: it is called genital herpes, or HSV-2. Both are viral infections that cannot be cured but managed. One can easily spread any of these two viruses that are characterized by sores and blisters.
Herpes type-1 is usually spread through kissing and sharing utensils with an infected person. Herpes type-2 is transmitted through sexual contact. Both infections have a dormant phase that lacks any blister or sores; however, when the immune system becomes weak, or stressed, these appear again. Both types of herpes viruses have some similarities. Cold sores and genital herpes can exacerbate more pronounced symptoms at the onset of the infection. The recurring outbreaks become milder. Also, both have similar warning signs of reactivation: you will start feeling pain, tingling, and burning before the blisters outbreak. This is caused by the inflammation of the nerves at the area where the sores will appear. These are referred to as prodromal symptoms, and indicate that you are highly contagious, even if no sores are appearing. While symptoms may be superficial, they may spread further more than the blister on the lips or genitals. They usually disappear 3 to 10 days after an outbreak; and a recurring blister has the tendency to affect the same area.
The herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 DNA PCR is a test that can detect an active infection of type-1 and type-2, as well as differentiate between them. PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. It is an effective method to study a small piece of DNA or RNA by amplifying the number of segments under study. It is a method to detect, at the molecular level, the different types of herpes. So, a DNA herpes test can detect the presence of a herpes infection as well as determine the type of the virus. It is a sensitive method that is rapid and effective.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexually-transmitted diseases are affecting twenty million Americans, every year. The total number of infections has exceeded a hundred and ten million cases. This infection has been a heavy burden on the health care system of the United States. Up until now, sixteen billion dollars are being spent as medical costs for these viruses, while early screening and following preventive measures can put a halt on this spread and costs.
The herpes simplex virus type-2 is infecting one in six individuals in the United States, that makes more than 55 million people carrying the virus in their system. This epidemic spread is mostly linked to the fact that 87 to 90% of infected people do not know that they have it. So, 48 million Americans have an active sexual life unaware that they are spreading the Herpes Simplex type-2 to their partners.
Why take the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, DNA PCR test?
This is an accurate test that can help screen and diagnose both types of the herpes simplex virus. While it may seem unnecessary to get tested for a viral infection that is barely causing outbreaks and lesions, it is a necessity. If your herpes is left untreated, it may lead to serious health complications such as higher chances of contracting HIV, meningitis and Alzheimer. From another angle, people who are carrying the virus are prone to pass it to their partners, even when symptoms are not showing. Finally, an untested mom who has the herpes simplex virus put her newborn baby at high risks of contracting it during delivery. For all these reasons, it is critical to get screened for HSV.
What can cause false results?
There are numerous tests used to diagnose herpes. Some are more accurate than others. The polymerase chain reaction DNA blood test is well-designed to offer the most accurate results. You are not prone to have any misdiagnosis or false positive results. From another angle, there is no evidence that any medicine or natural supplement can affect your test results. This DNA herpes test can detect the virus, whether you have visible symptoms or not.
What your Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, DNA PCR test results mean?
If the herpes simplex virus DNA- PCR test is a positive result; then, it indicates that there is an active herpes infection: whether it’s type one or type two. If the PCR test gave a negative result; then, no herpes simplex virus was detected. It could even indicate that there were just a few viruses, too few to be detected by the test. If you are still suspicious that you may be positive, you may want to repeat the test.
If your test results came positive for herpes infection; then, understand that this virus has no cure yet. The available treatments are intended to healing the blisters quicker; and, limiting future outbreaks. Medications normally involve acyclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir. These also help lowering the risk of transmitting the virus to others. They are either oral pills or creams. Severe outbreaks may require injecting the medication.
If you tested positive for the herpes simplex virus, you need to inform your sexual partner so you can follow preventive measures during sex. Your partner may also wish to get tested. While the most reliable way to avoid any sexually transmitted disease is through abstinence, other measures can be effective such as maintaining a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Also, using correctly and consistently latex condoms can lower the chances of spreading the infection to others.
Where can I get a Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, DNA PCR test near me?
Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.
Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Aug 30, 2019
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