Herpes Testing Near Me and How Do I Manage This Disease?

Genital herpes and oral herpes, both, are common in the United States of America. One in every six people is infected with this sexually transmitted disease. It is generally found to occur in people between the ages of 14 and 50.

Herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus. If it occurs on the mouth, it is called oral herpes. It can show up as cold sores or blisters on the tip of the mouth, accompanied by sore throat in some cases.

If it occurs on the genital area, it is called genital herpes. Your genital skin may break out in painful blisters.

HSV 1 usually causes oral herpes, while HSV 2 usually causes genital herpes.

The only way to be sure of the infection is to undergo a test. So, if you notice sores on the mouth or on the genital area, you must immediately look out for "herpes testing near me."

Where is the test available?

The United States has urgent care clinics in various states and counties. These clinics are centrally located and open all days of the week. They offer a series of health tests, including STD testing, which is usually done discreetly.

You can walk in one such clinic and ask for a test. No appointment and doctor's prescription is required.

Why you must take herpes infection seriously

According to doctors, the body's immune system can never remove herpes simplex virus completely. This means the disease is not entirely curable; but it is manageable.

However, there are cases wherein the virus enters the eye and infects it. This is called herpes keratitis.

The virus may also enter the central nervous system. This may damage the brain. The condition is called herpes encephalitis.

Newborns, people with suppressed immunity, organ transplant recipients, and AIDS patients are more susceptible to developing severe cases of herpes.

According to doctors, herpes is also associated with Alzheimer's Disease and bipolar disorders.

Herpes testing

When you get signs and symptoms of herpes, such as cold sores and blisters, you must search for "herpes testing near me" and consult a doctor. They would advise you on how to manage the disease through appropriate treatment.

Usually, testing is done through blood sample. It takes around 16 weeks before the test can detect the presence of virus in your blood.

It's not a scary disease

Herpes, though incurable, is not as scary as some other STDs. Its symptoms, too, go away after some time. You can take appropriate medication to fight the symptoms.

Having herpes does not indicate the end of your sex life. You can still have sex provided your viral load is decreased to a certain amount. This can happen through medication. Your doctor will advise you in detail about this.

During an outbreak, no doubt, you must refrain from having sex to prevent the spread of infection. Once your sores and blisters are healed, you can talk to the doctor about resuming your sexual life.

Herpes and pregnancy

According to doctors, herpes infection hardly has an implication on pregnancy. If a woman has a history of herpes, she must undergo a test during her third trimester, so that in case she is positive, the doctor can put her on medication.

If a woman has an active sore or blister on the genital area, the doctor would advise her against vaginal delivery. A C-section is better in this case to prevent the newborn from getting infected while passing through the birth canal.

If the woman is fine and has managed her herpes well, she can fearlessly deliver normally. It won't affect her newborn.

For more information on herpes and its management, please visit your nearest clinic. Search for "herpes testing near me."