How to get tested for herpes

Herpes is a common infection which is caused by two different strains of the virus and usually appears in the mouth area or genitals. According to some reports, about 80% of infections occur in the herpes type 1. In many cases the disease is asymptomatic, because the immune system is able to suppress it, but because the only way to detect it remains a blood test.

Instruction

The main symptom of the disease – skin lesions in the lips, nostrils, mucous membrane of mouth or genitals. Sometimes there may be skin swelling, burning and itching. Herpes is often accompanied by weakness and fever. Analysis of blood taken from a vein in the arm. The presence of infection is defined by detection of antibodies to herpes in the blood. With the help of laboratory tests can also determine the type of virus.

Before you get tested for herpes should not be something special to prepare. The blood is better to take in the morning and on an empty stomach. The last meal should be no earlier than 8 hours before sampling. Two days before delivery it is better to avoid fried and fatty foods and abstain from alcohol.

If a positive test result are assigned to the antiviral drugs. To prevent a recurrence of symptoms, you must consult with your doctor. Completely cure herpes is impossible, and therefore applied the therapy, which is based on daily use of drugs that reduce the frequency of return of signs of the virus and reduce the probability of HIV sexual partners. The use of drugs to reduce the risk of re-occurrence of symptoms in almost 50%.

Antiviral ointments are used for relief of the disease. The most frequently prescribed acyclovir (zovirax), famciclovir (famvir) and valacyclovir (valtrex), which is also available in tablet form.

Note

It is worth remembering that a herpes infection occurs through direct contact with an infected area of skin, not sexually. The virus is transmitted very quickly and prevent it is quite difficult.

Useful advice

Herpes can be transmitted through kissing and sexually, the carrier of the virus may not have symptoms and do not suspect about its presence.

Is the advice useful?