Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can cause an infection of the skin with small, painful blisters that return periodically. A different herpes virus (called varicella zoster) causes chickenpox and shingles. Rarely, HSV can infect other parts of the body, such as the eyes and the brain.
There are two types of HSV: HSV type 1 usually causes cold sores (also called fever blisters) on the lips. HSV-1 is generally spread by kissing or by sharing eating utensils (such as spoons or forks) when sores are present. HSV-1 can also cause sores around the genitals. HSV type 2 usually causes sores in the genital area (genital herpes), such as on or around the vagina or penis. HSV-2 also causes the type of herpes infection seen in babies born to women who have genital herpes. HSV-2 is generally spread by sexual contact. Rarely, HSV-2 can cause sores elsewhere in the body.
A herpes infection cannot be cured, though treatments are available to help manage the disease. Once you become infected with HSV, the virus remains in the body for life. It "hides" in a certain type of nerve cell, causing periodic outbreaks of sores in some people. Medication can relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of the outbreaks, but medication cannot cure the infection. Blood tests can detect antibodies made by the immune system to fight a herpes infection.
Because antibodies take time to develop after the initial infection, a positive antibody test may not be present if you have recently been infected. Unlike other blood tests, this test includes a Herpes Type II specific test that can distinguish HSV-2. Price: $119.00 |
