Since a positive result means that your body has built an IgG immune response to HSV, a negative IgG test means that your body has never needed to do so and you have never been infected with HSV. They might also recommend that you repeat the IgG test after a few weeks. Herpes blood testing is a two-step process in which an initial positive result is followed by a second confirmatory test. The test result means that you may be developing herpes or you may not have it, hence the term equivocal. NCHS Data Brief, no 304. HSV causes painful blisters or sores in different parts of the body. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't get tested under certain circumstances. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2018. This includes talking about medications that help with symptoms. Available from: UW Health [Internet]. For example, some tests detect antibodies to the spike protein produced in response to viral infection or the vaccine. When outbreaks occur when you are on these medications, theyre typically shorter and create fewer lesions than when you arent taking them., Common antiviral medications include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir., Your doctor may recommend an antibody test in addition to these other tests for an active infection. Avoiding contact with infected people, social distancing, not touching your face, frequent hand washing, cleaning, and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces can help to reduce your risk of contracting the 2019 novel coronavirus. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. People infected with COVID-19 can still be contagious even when they stop feeling sick, so precautionary measures should continue for at least 2 weeks after symptoms disappear and until the COVID-19 test result is negative. Basic fact sheets are presented in plain language for individuals with general questions about sexually transmitted diseases. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can detect HSV by making copies of the virus' genetic material in a process known as nucleic amplification. Serum herpes simplex antibodies - Mount Sinai Health System This is known as having an outbreak. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. For instance, ASHA says that while an IgG test can distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2, the problem is that the time it takes for IgG antibodies to reach a detectable level varies from person to person. You may also get a headache after the procedure. Like Hutcherson, Friedman also doesn't recommend blood tests for herpes in the absence of symptoms. You may have antibodies from an infection of the virus that causes COVID-19. The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines that have been shown to be safe and effective as established by data from large clinical trials. These tests only indicate exposure to either HSV-1 or HSV-2 at some point in your past. Health Information: Herpes Tests: Results; [updated 2017 Mar 20; cited 2018 Jun 13]; [about 8 screens]. Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases.
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