Herpes is a common viral infection and it can affect so many people worldwide. People are scared of getting this diagnosis but this is actually a condition that can be effectively diagnosed. There are different ways of diagnosing the infection as well which will be explained below.
The standard approach of the herpes test for men and women is the blood test. This will detect if the herpes virus is present within the blood and this is generally suitable if the individual has been exposed to it within an incubation period of four to six weeks. The immune system will produce antibodies in response to the virus and these antibodies can be identified by the test. However, if you are still in the initial weeks of infection, a blood test may not be very effective. This is because your body’s immune response has not reached a detectable level.
However, a blood test is a comprehensive way to screen for herpes. Sometimes you may be experiencing the symptoms of a herpes infection. When you have symptoms, your healthcare provider will recommend a urine test. Some of the symptoms will be itching, painful sores and discomfort in the oral or genital areas of the body. The urine test will show the presence of the virus. This is also a non-invasive way for testing and confirming that you have an active infection. If you want to have a diagnosis right away, this is a good testing method especially when you have noticeable symptoms.
Many people tend to diagnose themselves
By searching for symptoms online and sometimes this can do more harm than good. You always need to be diagnosed by a healthcare professional and tested so that you know you have this condition a 100%. This can also give you some peace of mind knowing what is wrong with your body. Some people will have sores or blisters that are quite visible and in this instance, a swab test can be done on the affected area. This will be tested to see if the virus is present. This is a highly accurate testing method and it can be very useful in the early stages of the infection. In addition to confirming you have the herpes infection, the test will also confirm the type of herpes. This can further inform the treatment decisions so that your infection can be managed effectively.
The appropriate testing method
Will depend on various factors such as how long you have been exposed to the infection and the symptoms you are exhibiting. If you suspect a recent exposure, it is best to have a blood test done. But if you are already showing symptoms, a swab test or urine test will offer you more immediate results. It is important to detect herpes infection in the beginning so that it is easier to manage it effectively. This will also reduce the risk of transmission. This will allow for timely intervention and the impact of the infection can also be minimised.
