Do I need a Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 test?
Do you experience recurrent cold sores or painful genital lesions, or wonder whether you've been exposed to herpes simplex virus? Understanding your HSV status can help you manage outbreaks, reduce transmission risk, and make informed decisions about your sexual health and relationships.
A herpes simplex virus test detects antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 in your blood, revealing whether you've been infected with either type of the virus.
Knowing your HSV status empowers you to take control of your sexual health. Testing can help guide conversations with partners, inform treatment options if needed, and support preventative strategies that may reduce outbreak frequency and transmission risk. This biomarker is included in Listen Health's sexual health panel, giving you a clearer picture of your wellbeing.
What is it?
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common viral infection that causes recurrent, self-limited lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. There are two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes, which manifests as cold sores around the mouth, while HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes, which presents as painful genital ulcers.
HSV is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or lesions. After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells and can reactivate, leading to recurrent outbreaks. The frequency and severity of recurrences vary among individuals.
Diagnosis of HSV infection is confirmed through laboratory tests. Treatment involves antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, which can be used for episodic therapy during outbreaks or as suppressive therapy to reduce the frequency of recurrences and the risk of transmission.
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Kimberlin, D. W., & Rouse, D. J. (2004). Genital herpes. The New England Journal of Medicine, 350(19), 1970–1977. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp023065
Batteiger, T. A., & Rietmeijer, C. A. (2024). Herpes simplex virus: A practical guide to diagnosis, management, and patient counseling for the primary care clinician. The Medical Clinics of North America, 108(2), 311–323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2023.08.016
Gnann, J. W., & Whitley, R. J. (2016). Genital herpes. The New England Journal of Medicine, 375(7), 666–674. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1603178
Benson, C., Brooks, J., Dhanireddy, S., et al. (2025). Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections in adults and adolescents with HIV. Infectious Diseases Society of America; Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council.
US Preventive Services Task Force, Mangione, C. M., Barry, M. J., et al. (2023). Serologic screening for genital herpes infection: US Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmation recommendation statement. JAMA, 329(6), 502–507. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.0057
Gupta, R., Warren, T., & Wald, A. (2007). Genital herpes. The Lancet, 370(9605), 2127–2137. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61908-4
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AHPRA Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not replace individual medical advice. Always discuss your test results and health concerns with a registered healthcare practitioner.