Herpes (HSV) 1 & 2 Test

Herpes Testing for Your Sexual Health
Herpes testing is an important part of maintaining sexual health, whether you're experiencing symptoms, entering a new relationship, or completing your annual STD screening. This blood test checks for HSV-1 and HSV-2, which can cause painful sores around the mouth (oral herpes) or genitals (genital herpes).

While there is no cure for herpes, early detection through testing can guide treatment to alleviate symptoms, reduce future outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmission.

What’s Tested
HSV-1 and HSV-2 are two viruses that cause oral (cold sores) and genital herpes. HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes but can spread to the genitals, while HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes, leading to painful sores. Many with HSV may have no symptoms, making it easy to spread.

Though there’s no cure, treatment can help manage outbreaks and reduce transmission. If left untreated, symptoms may persist.

Signs & Symptoms
Many people with HSV do not experience symptoms, which makes it easy to unknowingly spread the virus. For those who do show symptoms, they typically appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure and may include:

• Tingling, burning, or itching before blisters appear
• Painful, fluid-filled blisters around the mouth, genitals, or rectum
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, or body aches

These symptoms can also be linked to other conditions. Regardless of your results, it's important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor.