Questions about the Herpes Blood Test

• What Is Herpes?

  Herpes simplex virus is caused by two types of viruses. Herpes can be either oral or genital, depending on where the virus spreads and where symptoms appear. It is spread through bodily fluids, as saliva or genital fluids, during sexual intercourse, or intimate contact.

  Generally, type 1 herpes causes oral herpes, while type 2 herpes leads to genital herpes. However, these two types of the virus can be linked, as the virus can spread from contact with an infected mouth to the genital area and vice versa. In fact, if you have one type of herpes, you are just as likely to become infected with the other type.

• What Are Signs of Herpes?

  Symptoms of herpes may appear and reappear, in some cases, lasting two or three weeks. They include small blistering, which develops on and around the mouth and lips. In genital herpes, this blistering can happen on anus and genital skin and mucus membranes. Blisters can become open sores, which can heal. Sometimes, sores may become ulcers. 

  These blisters may reappear in the same areas on your body as before. It is recommended to not touch, scratch, or try to remove blisters from the affected areas of your body. To avoid this, and to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, you can use bandaids or small bands to cover your blisters or open sores.

• Why Should I Test for Herpes?

  As already mentioned, around 50 percent of the US population is affected by oral herpes – only around 12 percent are affected by genital herpes. However, many of these people will not experience any herpes symptoms and will pass on the virus to their partners (or to people with whom they have had close contact) unknowingly.

  According to John Hopkins Medicine, oral herpes is difficult to diagnose, as it is often mistaken for other infections. Diagnosis can only occur through a PCR test, a blood test, or a biopsy. Sometimes, even if you experience symptoms that are similar to herpes symptoms, a negative test result can give you reassurance that you do not have herpes. You may have a different health condition, in which case, you should follow this up with your doctor.

  Moreover, did you know that if you have genital herpes, which has been triggered by type 2 herpes, you may be two to four times more likely to become infected with HIV and transmit this serious disease to other people? If you believe that you are at risk of a herpes infection, you could get tested for your own peace of mind.

• Who Should Take the Herpes Blood Test?

  Although there are certain risk groups who are particularly affected by herpes, such as those having unprotected sex, people with prior STIs, and those with a compromised immune system, anyone can become infected with the virus. This being said, the virus is often found in sexually active people – having more sexual partners increases your risk of becoming infected. 

  In general, herpes lab tests are also recommended for people who experience symptoms – or whose partner has tested positive for herpes.

• How Does the Test Work?

  To carry out the at-home herpes test, take a small blood sample from your fingertip with one of the lancets provided in the test kit. Extract a few drops of blood and collect them on the dried blood spot card – this way, you only have to take a very small amount of blood, and the sample can be stored for a long time.

  Send your sample free of charge to our specialized medical laboratory in the return envelope. The laboratory analyzes how high the concentration of antibodies against type 2 herpes is in your blood.

  After the lab analysis, you will receive a notification, after which you’ll be able to access your results report by logging in on our website or on the My cerascreen® app.

  Please note: Please remember that the cerascreen® Herpes Test is not a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis. Your test result alone is not sufficient for you to undertake treatments and measures on your own. Please always consult your responsible physicians if you want to take further measures.

• What Will the Results Report Tell Me?

  Your test results will reveal whether there were antibodies against type 2 herpes detected in your sample. If your results are positive, you are at risk of developing either genital or oral herpes due to contact with a current or previous sexual partner.

  Regardless of whether your results are positive or negative, you will receive recommendations on what to do next. If your results are positive, our experts will give you guidance on what to discuss with your doctor, regarding an official diagnosis, treatment, and preventing transmission. Our results report will also tell you about how to best protect yourself from becoming infected with herpes.

• What Are the Recommendations?

  If you have herpes, you should let your sexual partner know about it in order to reduce the chances of them becoming infected. You should avoid having sex – especially, when you have active symptoms to prevent further transmission of the virus and make your symptoms worse.

• What Can I Do to Protect Myself from Herpes?

  Herpes is predominantly transmitted when a person infected with it experiences active symptoms. However, herpes can be transmitted by people who do not have any symptoms too. In fact, most people with herpes do not know that they have it, or that they can transmit the disease.

  Using condoms regularly can protect you and your partner from transmitting the virus by up to 96 percent. You should avoid direct physical and sexual contact with someone infected with herpes if their wounds, ulcers, or sores are unhealed – or if they are experiencing any other symptoms.

• Can Herpes Be Cured Permanently?

  Herpes cannot be cured. However, it can be managed very well with various antiviral medications – such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir – these can help you to get rid of symptoms or treat them. By taking these medications, you can also decrease your risk of spreading the virus to a sexual partner. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also be helpful.

  Symptoms that can be treated, but not cured, include small blistering on and around the mouth and lips – or in the case of genital herpes, blistering can occur on the anus and genital skin and mucosa. Sometimes, sores may become ulcers. Possible triggers for these symptoms can be getting sick, having stress, fatigue, being exposed to sunlight, or menstrual periods in women. This is why doctors recommend avoiding these risk factors, where possible, as a way to help treat the virus.

• Who Should Not Take the Herpes Blood Test?

  The Herpes Test is not intended for certain people or only in special circumstances:

  • People with hemophilia should not take the test.
  • Pregnant and nursing women should only take the herpes blood test in the presence of a doctor. The reference values and recommendations provided in the test are not for pregnant and nursing women; therefore, you should ask your doctor about your test results.
  • The Herpes Test is not intended for children under the age of 18.

  The test is not intended for diagnosing illnesses or disease. For example, if you suffer from moderate pain, pressure in your chest, or you regularly struggle for breath, consult a doctor.