Herpes Testing

1
Herpes Testing

• www.regentstreetclinic.co.uk

2
What is it?

• Herpes is a very common and highly infectious
  virus which has two types Herpes Simplex Virus
  Type 1 (HSV I) The most likely cause of cold
  sores, typically around the mouth. This virus can
  also be caught genitally through oral sex.
• Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV II) The virus
  that typically causes sores, typically around the
  genitals. It may also be caught around the mouth
  through oral sex.
• Your test will tell you which (if any) type of
  the virus you have.
• HSV I or cold sores should really not be
  considered an STI as infection can occur in so
  many non-sexual ways, although it is responsible
  for about half of genital herpes cases.
• HSV II, or Genital Herpes, is typically caught on
  the genitals and is transmitted through sexual
  contact. Up to 60 of people who have HSV II are
  unlikely to know they are infected as their
  symptoms will be minimal or non-existent. They
  are capable of infecting partners through sex
  when the virus is present on the genitals,
  causing pimples, little cuts, itchy or sore skin.
  Occasionally, there may be a virus present with
  no visible sign (asymptomatic viral shedding).

www.regentstreetclinic.co.uk
3
Why bother getting tested?

• This infection can recur throughout a persons
  lifetime and leaves a painful, blistering rash.
  It is best to know whether you have been exposed
  to herpes and to make plans in the eventuality of
  an outbreak and to inform sexual partners.
• It is spread through unprotected oral, vaginal or
  anal contact (it does not have to be sex) with an
  infected person. The risk of catching or
  transmitting the virus is highest when your
  partner has blisters or sores. It is still
  possible to get HSV 2 when your partner does not
  have any visible sores or blisters but this is
  much less likely. Recurrent symptoms are almost
  always on visible skin sores inside the vagina
  or anus are usually only present as part of
  primary infection and are unlikely to accompany a
  recurrence.
• HSV I is often spread by kissing which is why a
  lot of people have it.

www.regentstreetclinic.co.uk
4
How will I know if I have it?

• HSV may cause blisters on the genital areas of
  both men and women. These blisters typically
  develop within 2 days to 3 weeks after first
  getting infected. The blisters start off as small
  bumps, grow into full blisters, and burst
  releasing pus. Blisters can be small or large and
  can be just one blister, or many located close
  together. Other symptoms can include painful
  itching, burning, headache, swollen glands in the
  groin, and generalized muscle aches. The first
  episode or outbreak is usually the most severe
  with later outbreaks becoming milder. Most people
  catch the virus without developing these
  symptoms.

www.regentstreetclinic.co.uk
5
Herpes tests cost 150 per sample

• Herpes is a common (STI) that can affect the
  mouth and the genital areas, and that can recur
  throughout a persons life.
• The average rate of recurrence is 4-5 times in
  the first 2 years
• Testing and screening for Genital Herpes
• There are three ways of testing for the virus
• Blood Test standard test
• Urine Test only if you currently have symptoms
• Swab Test if you have a blister or other lesion
  for swabbing to see if it is caused by HSV
• Results are available 2- 3 working days from the
  sample being received in the lab depending on
  which sample is taken. The test will say whether
  you have HSV I, HSV II, both or neither.

www.regentstreetclinic.co.uk
6
Treatment of Genital Herpes

• Like several other infections, once it is caught,
  HSV I and HSV II stay in the body forever and a
  minority of those infected get recurrent
  outbreaks. Fortunately, there are ways to
  decrease the frequency and severity of the
  outbreaks. There are anti-viral medications
  available (both creams and pills) which can help
  control the infection. Lifestyle changes are very
  important and can also help to control the time
  between outbreaks and their severity. Our clinics
  can provide you with a prescription for
  medication and give advice on lifestyle changes
  to help you control the infection if you test
  positive.
• Most carriers of HSV need no treatment because
  symptoms are slight or non-existent.

www.regentstreetclinic.co.uk
7
Oral anti-viral medication for recurrent
flare-ups

• Our doctors will be happy to help manage acute
  herpes breakouts with a course of oral anti-viral
  medication. The usual dose is 400mg taken five
  times per day for 1 week. Please dont suffer in
  silence call us today.

www.regentstreetclinic.co.uk
8
Thanks

• Do you have any questions?
• PhoneNottingham 0115 947 5498
• Sheffield 0114 358 3930
• Leicester 0116 254 1282
• Derby 0133 233 2530
• Liverpool 0151 332 2949
• Norwich 0160 397 8640
• Lincoln 0333 455 9070
• Emailenquiries_at_regentstreetclinic.co.uk

Please keep this slide for attribution
www.regentstreetclinic.co.uk