If You Suspect Genital Herpes – Get Tested & Treated Early

If You Suspect Genital Herpes – Get Tested & Treated Early

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States.

You must however keep in mind that HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1) and HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2) are two different strains of the herpes simplex virus, and they have some key differences. The differences relate to

• Location of Infection
• Transmission
• Recurrence
• Prevalence
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis

In this article we shall primarily focus on HSV2. HSV-2 stands for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus. HSV-2 primarily affects the genital and anal areas, leading to genital herpes. It can also occasionally cause oral herpes through oral-genital contact.

How is HSV2 diagnosed?

Diagnosis of HSV-2 typically involves the following approaches.

Physical Examination: The medical professional may perform a physical examination to look for visible signs of the disease, such as sores, blisters, or ulcers. However, not all HSV-2 infections have physical manifestations , therefore a physical examination alone is not always dependable for diagnosis. Keep in mind that in Arlington hsv2 treatment and diagnosis is available.

Laboratory Testing:

Laboratory testing is more reliable. The health care professional may chose to perform one or more of the following tests.

• Viral Culture: A swab sample is taken from a sore or blister and sent to a laboratory for testing.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test: PCR can detect the genetic material (DNA) of the herpes virus, even when there are no visible symptoms. This is a highly effective test for diagnosing HSV-2.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests detect antibodies against HSV-2, which the body produces as a response to the infection.

Is HSV2 more serious than HSV1 ?

The seriousness of HSV-1 versus HSV-2 essentially depends on specific factors and the location of the infection. Here are a few key pointers.

Location of Infection:

HSV-1: This infection usually causes oral herpes, resulting in cold sores or fever, blisters around the mouth and on the face. It also carries the risk of causing genital herpes through oral-genital contact. In most cases, doctors do not consider oral herpes medically serious, although it can cause considerable discomfort social stigma.

HSV-2: Primarily it affects the genitals. The patients suffer from sores and ulcers in the genital and anal areas. Genital herpes can be painful and can have considerable impact on the individual’s quality of life, but it is generally manageable by adequate treatment. herpes.

Frequency and Severity of Outbreaks: The frequency and severity of outbreaks can vary widely among individuals for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Individual responses vary widely

Complications: Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can lead to serious complications, albeit rarely. Serious issues such as infection of the brain or neonatal herpes (infection in newborns if the mother has an active outbreak during childbirth). Such complications require immediate medical attention.

Transmission: HSV-2 is associated with genital-to-genital transmission, which can carry a higher risk of transmission to sexual partners.

Psychosocial Impact: The psychosocial impact of herpes can be significant, regardless of the type.

Can an urgent care center diagnose hsv2 ?

The good news is yes. Many urgent care centers have the capability to diagnose herpes simplex virus type 2 infections. In Arlington, hsv2 treatment facilities have the necessary equipment and trained medical staff to perform diagnostic tests. They can perform viral cultures or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, to confirm HSV-2 infection.

If you feel you have indulged in risky behavior and suspect you have genital herpes, it makes good sense to visit an urgent care center to seek diagnosis and treatment. There is no any need to get overtly upset. In Arlington, hsv2 medication is easily available. All that you need to do is follow the healthcare provider’s instructions.