Minimise the symptoms - and minimise the chances of spreading this aggressive virus - by taking the test.
Overview
What is herpes?
Herpes is actually a group of viruses that affect the mouth (oral herpes) or genitals (genital herpes).
How did I catch herpes?
Herpes passes via skin to skin contact, most typically through sex, or through kissing someone with a cold sore.
How do I know whether I’m infected?
Often there are no symptoms, which is why it’s so easy to spread herpes. Where symptoms do appear, they will be sores (‘cold sores’) in or around the mouth, or around the penis, scrotum, vagina or anus.
How do I get tested?
Book a simple blood test now.
Did You Know?
“There is only one reliable and commercially available type of blood test for herpes antibodies.” - Dr Jen Gunter. This is it.
What is herpes?
Herpes is the name given to the infection caused by a family of herpes simplex viruses. They cause two types of herpes, simply known as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2).
Herpes tends to affect two areas of the body: the mouth and genitals, although rarely it can affect the eyes. Herpes around the mouth is called oral herpes and is usually (although not always) caused by HSV1. Herpes that affects the genitals is genital herpes and is usually (although not always) caused by HSV2.
Symptoms of herpes infection
Frequently, herpes causes no symptoms. You can be infected with herpes and have the virus sit dormant within you for, potentially, years without any visible symptoms. You are twice as likely to have symptom-free herpes than experience symptoms.
Where symptoms do appear, however, they will be in the form of painful sores or blisters around your lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks or roof of your mouth (in the case of oral herpes); and around your penis, scrotum, vagina, anus or buttocks (in the case of genital herpes).
Additionally, the infected area may feel itchy. Oral herpes may be accompanied by a sore throat (particularly in teens and young adults), dry mouth and, because the sores can be painful, difficulty eating or drinking.
Oral herpes is common in babies and it is important to ensure they (and anyone with oral herpes symptoms) stay well hydrated.
Genital herpes may also cause a burning sensation when you pee, and vaginal discharge.
How did I catch herpes?
Herpes is transmitted via saliva or skin to skin contact. Most usually it passes via kissing or during sex. The herpes virus needs bodily contact to thrive and dies quickly when away from the body, so you’re unlikely to catch it from shared towels, cutlery or toilet seats.
How can this test help me?
There’s no cure for herpes infection, but treatment can alleviate the symptoms and reduce the likelihood you’ll pass it on. Herpes is an aggressive virus that’s very easily spread. Knowing whether you have the virus can help you minimise its effect on you and protect others.
How can I minimise herpes outbreaks?
There are some things you can do to keep the herpes virus dormant and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Emotional stress seems to be a trigger, as does UV light (e.g. from sunbeds). Friction can also trigger an outbreak, so avoid tight clothing and use a lubricant if necessary during sex. It’s important to avoid sex and other intimate contact during an active outbreak of herpes.
How do I get tested?
To get tested please contact Better2Know your Body on the number above or click book now.