Oral Herpes Test
The test for Oral Herpes is conducted by drawing a small sample of blood which is examined in order to check the presence of antibodies to HSV-1 Virus. HSV-1 refers to the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 which is the root cause of the contagious infection of Oral Herpes. The HSV-1 test is quite sensitive which only determines the HSV-1 antibodies in blood.
Oral Herpes Test comes along with a lot of useful benefits:
- To detect this infection even if you do not see the symptoms at all
- To treat and monitor the HSV-1
- To detect any earlier exposure of the patient to this communicable virus
- To diagnose HSV-1
- To determine if the signs and symptoms have occurred due to the HSV-1 or not
Any person, who has ever involved in unprotected oral sex and has fallen in contact with the body fluids which were infected, needs to be tested. However, as the symptoms don’t show up sometimes, therefore it is advised to get yourself tested even if you don’t face any signs of infection.
Also, as this disease is communicable, it has the ability to spread further. This point makes it even more crucial to test yourself even in absence of any symptom because if you carry HSV-1 in your blood, you can end up passing it on to your loved ones.
Oral Herpes Testing Options & Which One Should You Choose?
The best option for an Oral Herpes Test is to get the blood sample tested with the help of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Test which is generally termed as ELISA Test. This is a type-specific test and is very sensitive to the presence of this Herpes Sim nullplex Virus.
Upon physical examination by a doctor, presence of herpes sores makes sure about the presence of this infection as these sores mark the main characteristic of this disease.
In case of involvement of infection in other organs, an expert might refer you for laboratory tests which include a small sample from sores in order to detect the virus, culture analysis, another test generally known as Tzanck smear, study of antibody or the antigens or blood sampling to study the antibodies.
Where to get tested for Oral Herpes?
You can get tested for Oral Herpes at one of our STD Testing centers which are located at convenient locations throughout the United States.
To get tested with us, you have to order a test online on our website.
It is quite comfortable and easy to order a test for Oral Herpes on our website.
Before you order a test, you have to choose one of our STD Testing center. You can find a test center near you, using your area zip code.
After you choose the nearest center, you can order a test and get yourself tested there.
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How to Order an Oral Herpes Test Online?
Ordering for the test for Oral Herpes is quite an easy task. You can just click on the button below where you can register for the test online.
On our website, two Oral Herpes testing options are available. The fees for Oral Herpes (HSV-1) Test is $65 whereas the test for Herpes I and II can be booked collectively at a price of $130 as well.
Once the test is selected, you will be redirected to the next page where you can enter your ZIP code to find the closest Herpes testing center.
Further, you have to fill your personal details to create your profile on our website.
Now you can make the online payment for your test. It is required to make the payment online as the centers do not accept payments in any form.
After receiving your payment, we will send you an e-mail including a “Lab Requisition Form” along with a test code and the address of the selected STD center. You are required to take the form to the Herpes testing center to get tested.
When is the Right Time to Get Tested For Oral Herpes?
Once you have been exposed to the virus, the doctors suggest this test to be done within 4-6 weeks. It is important to note that Oral Herpes Test must be made an integral part of your STD screening in case of your involvement in unprotected oral sex.
However, this infection is considered as a common STD for which a person must get the tests done even if the signs or symptoms are not visible. Therefore, now is the best time for you to get yourself tested.
How to Prepare for the Oral Herpes Test?
For the testing of Oral Herpes, no preparations or fasting are suggested or required.
Just a small blood sample is sufficient for the test.
After ordering your test on your website, you can directly visit one of our STD Testing centers to get tested for oral herpes.
There is no prior appointment required for the test.
It will take only few minutes to take the blood sample. Your results will be delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
How is the Oral Herpes Test Done?
The test for this contagious infection is done by drawing a small amount of blood and examining it to identify any antibodies developed against this infection which generally take 2 weeks to 6 months to develop. In this period of time, sufficient amount of antibodies develop which can be detected by ELISA Test.
If result is negative, it means that no sign of oral herpes was found in your body. On the other hand, a positive result refers to detection of oral herpes in your body.
What is Oral Herpes?
Oral Herpes is another kind of contagious infection which is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus. This virus leads to sores on lips, roof of mouth, gums, inside the cheeks or on tongue as well.
HSV-1 affects the humans only. The sores on mouth can occur in the people of any age and any time. This virus can be contacted by coming in contact with saliva or infected skin. As this virus is communicable, a large number of people get infected by it even before they reach adulthood.
Although Oral Herpes is not considered a critical disease, still it might lead to stress, discomfort and some inconvenience like making it painful to consume fluids or perhaps, to swallow food.
Furthermore, in some rare cases, HSV-1 may also reoccur in an eye, such condition is known as Ocular Herpes which is considered as a serious concern as it can lead to blindness as well.
Another form of this virus is HSV Encephalitis which is quite rare, but a serious condition. HSV Encephalitis can lead to brain-inflammation.
The major problem associated with this infection, just like many related diseases, is that it might not show any significant symptoms because of which it might keep affecting a person without being detected. Therefore, it is recommended by the experts to get yourself tested for HSV-1.
Symptoms of Oral Herpes
Various symptoms of Oral Herpes are listed below:
- Occurrence of sores on lips, roof of mouth, gums, inside the cheeks or on tongue as well
- Sores might extend further towards chin or neck
- Mild swelling or redness of gums, and bleeding in some cases
- Swelling of lymph nodes on neck which can be quite painful
- Tingling or burning sensation might be felt even before the occurrence of sores
Generally, the time period between contact with virus and occurrence of infection is considered to be that of 2-12 days. Majority of the people, on an average, start noticing the symptoms in approximately 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What not to do when you have Oral Herpes?
When you are suffering from Oral Herpes, there are a few steps which you must take care of in order to stay safe and avoid transmitting the infection further, such as:
- Avoid kissing
- Do not involve in oral sex
- If you touch the infected areas, you must wash hands properly after touching.
- Avoid using saliva to wet your eye-lenses
- Do not avoid the signs of dehydration
- Avoid touching the sores or saliva
How is Oral Herpes treated?
Till date, the cure for HSV-1 has not been found but antiviral medications can be utilized to control the symptoms and suppress the outbreak. Moreover, further transmission of this infection to your partner can also be prevented.
Following steps must be followed carefully for treatment of this virus at home:
- Plenty of intake of fluids
- Usage of medicines in order to control fever
- Sings of dehydration must be looked for carefully
- In case of pain, use medicines according to the advice of doctor
Some patients with severe infection, weak immune system or those with infection reaching other organs may require hospitalization.
What happens if Oral Herpes is left untreated?
If this contagious infection is left untreated, there is a risk of spreading it further to your loved ones. Furthermore, in some rare cases, this infection might reappear in an eye; such a condition is known as Ocular Herpes and is considered as a serious concern as it can lead to blindness as well.
Another form of this virus is HSV Encephalitis which is quite rare, but if not treated at the right time, can lead to brain-inflammation.
It is, therefore, advised not to overlook any sign or symptom and get yourself tested at the earliest.