What is Herpes (HSV)?
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) are two highly contagious viruses that can cause outbreaks of watery blisters on the skin, in the mouth, lips, nose, genitals, rectum, and eyes.
HSV-1 is more commonly associated with oral herpes (cold sores) and HSV-2 is more commonly linked to genital herpes. HSV can be passed to other parts of the body via skin-to-skin contact. Because of this, it is possible for a cold sore to be caused by HSV-2 and a genital herpes outbreak to be caused by HSV-1.
Today, there is an increasing crossover between both herpes types. Only testing will determine which virus is causing the infection.
How is HSV Transmitted?
Herpes is spread through direct physical contact. Condoms provide only partial protection as the virus may be on the skin that is not covered by the condom. Herpes can spread without any visible symptoms.
You will not get herpes from casual contact, including toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or soap. The virus is short lived on surfaces and is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms and Stages
Herpes infections can be asymptomatic (with little to no symptoms), and may never cause symptoms. In symptomatic individuals, HSV-1, and HSV-2 both develop in these stages:
- In early stages there may be redness, swelling, and a burning or tingling sensation at the site of the area where the outbreak may occur. Headache, fatigue, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and fever may accompany the infection
- Blister stage: Blisters may look like they are filled with clear to whitish-yellow fluid. The blisters can develop in clusters and can be very tender
- Eruptive stage: This is the stage when the blisters break open and leak fluids, leaving painful open sores (ulcers) that quickly crust over
- Healing stage: After about four to seven days, the crusted sores will start to scab and heal. The healing process can take anywhere from one to three weeks. The first outbreaks tend to take longer to heal and could be more severe than subsequent outbreak
How to Test and Treat Herpes
Phoenix Women’s Clinic conducts herpes testing as a swab or blood test.
Swab tests are used in symptomatic cases, and fluid is taken from a herpes sore. The swab can determine the type of HSV (HSV I or HSV II).
Blood tests can be used in symptomatic or asymptomatic cases. Testing too early in asymptomatic cases can lead to a false-negative result, which claims an individual does not have the infection when they do have it.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 are both treated with antiviral drugs. Medication is used to help suppress symptoms of outbreaks and/or shorten the duration of an outbreak. HSV is not curable.
If there is an outbreak, episodic therapy can be prescribed for anywhere from 1 to 10 days to shorten the acute infection. For recurrent HSV, suppressive therapy (in the form of a daily antiviral drug) may be prescribed to lower the risk of recurrence. This also lowers the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Please call our office with any questions. For HSV testing, the office visit is $35. The lab work for the swab is $50, and the blood tests are $25 for each herpes type.
For more information on herpes:
HSV Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you spread herpes? Herpes is spread through direct physical contact. Condoms provide only partial protection as the virus may be on the skin that is not covered by the condom. Herpes can be spread without any visible symptoms. You will not get herpes from casual contact including toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or soap. The virus is short-lived on surfaces and is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Are cold sores considered herpes? Yes, cold sores are herpes, but can be mistaken for canker sores. However, they are usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both of these viruses can affect the mouth or genitals and can be spread by oral sex. The virus can spread even if you do not see any sores.
Can you have HSV-1 in the genital area? Yes, although HSV-1 is commonly known as cold sores; if oral sex is performed, you can transmit HSV-1 to the genital area.
Can HSV-1 turn into HSV-2? HSV-1 cannot become HSV-2 or vice versa.
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Phoenix, AZ 85020
Phoenix, AZ 85009