If you believe that you have contracted herpes, you should go see your doctor as soon as possible.
Several tests are available to determine whether or not you have herpes. Your doctor or a healthcare professional can perform or prescribe you a test which can detect if you have herpes.
Herpes Test
PCR Blood Test – This is a blood test that searches for pieces of the herpes simplex virus. It is more commonly used to identify genital herpes. If you are recently affected or if your sores are beginning to heal, a PCR blood test may result in a false-negative result.
Cell Culture – This test involves your doctor scraping off cells from a sore or affected area to look at under a microscope. By looking through a microscope, a doctor can get a closer look to find the herpes simplex virus. Similar to the PCR blood test, having a cell culture may result in a false-positive if the sores have begun to heal, or if you were only recently infected.
Antibody Tests – For this type of test, a solution that contains antibodies of the herpes simplex virus and fluorescent dye is added to a sample of cells taken from a sore, or affected area. The antibodies will stick to the virus and glow when it is observed under a microscope. An antibody test can determine whether you have the herpes simplex type-1 virus or herpes simplex type-2.
It is important to see your doctor or a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you think you have contracted herpes. They can officially diagnose and treat you properly.
Although there is no cure for herpes, your doctor can provide you with the appropriate treatments or medications that could help to reduce and manage your case of herpes.
Featured Image: DepositPhotos/roobcio
