Herpes simplex virus HSV 1/2 IgG/IgM combo rapide test cassette

infections in other areas of your body. Fluid-filled blisters on your

skin are common symptoms, but many people have no symptoms at all. A

simple blood test can tell you if you have HSV in your body. Antiviral

medications can treat single outbreaks or help you manage HSV long-term.

What are the symptoms of a herpes simplex infection?

The symptoms of an HSV infection vary according to the specific type of infection:

Oral herpes. Blisters on your lips or around your mouth. Skin may tingle, itch or burn up to 48 hours before blisters appear.

Genital herpes.

Blisters on and around your genitals. Symptoms in the 48 hours leading

up to blisters appearing include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes

and itching or tingling in your genital area.

Herpes gladiatorum. Blisters anywhere on your skin but usually your hands, face, ears or chest.

Herpes keratitis (eye herpes).

Eye pain or irritation, feeling like there’s something in your eye,

sensitivity to light, blisters on your eyelids or around your eyes.

How do you get an HSV infection?

You catch HSV through direct contact with someone who has an HSV infection.

This means part of your body needs to touch someone else’s:

Herpes sores (oral or genital).

Skin or mucosal surfaces (like mouth, v@gin@ or anus), with or without visible sores.

Saliva, semen or v@gin@l discharge, with or without signs of an infection.

Prevention

Can HSV infections be prevented?

HSV is a common virus that spreads easily between people. So, it’s hard to prevent it. But you can lower your risk by:

Avoiding close contact with people who have an HSV outbreak. For example, don’t

kiss someone who has a cold sore or have sexual contact with someone who has genital sores.

Asking partners to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including herpes. You can catch HSV from someone who’s asymptomatic (no sores). Knowing a partner has HSV helps you to take precautions.