How do you know if you have HSV-1 genitally?
Your healthcare provider may diagnose genital herpes by simply looking at any sores that are present. Providers can also take a sample from the sore(s) and test it. If sores are not present, a blood test may be used to look for HSV antibodies.
Can you get herpes 1 genitally?
HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, and HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes — each strain prefers to live on its favorite area. But it’s totally possible for both types of herpes simplex to infect either area. For example, you can get HSV-1 on your genitals if someone with a cold sore on their lips gives you oral sex.
Can you have HSV-1 genitally and not know it?
It might come as a surprise, but it’s possible to have herpes and not even know it. In fact, many people with herpes don’t know they have this sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD) because they don’t experience any symptoms. This is what’s known as asymptomatic herpes.
What is HSV-1 genitally?
Overview. Infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is common globally. HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is typically transmitted by oral-to-oral contact and causes infection in or around the mouth (oral herpes), but it can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 is mainly sexually transmitted and causes genital herpes.
How likely is it to spread HSV-1 without an outbreak?
The chance of asymptomatic shedding is about 10.2%. Please be aware of the following statistics: The majority of herpes transmissions (80%) are by asymptomatic patients since people assume that they are infectious only when they have visible signs of the infection.
How often does HSV-1 shed genitally?
Genital HSV-1 shedding is much less frequent than that for HSV-2, occurring on a mean of 0.5% of days, although this was studied in a small number of women using the less sensitive viral culturing detection method (70).