The HSV 2 blood test is used to determine if there is a type 2 genital herpes infection in specific situations: if someone has genital symptoms that could be related to herpes or if someone has had a sexual partner who has symptomatic herpes at the time. The HSV 2 blood test is also sometimes ordered when performing a complete STD panel. It may also be recommend for individuals who have multiple sexual partners within a short period of time.
The HSV 2 blood test may only need to be given once. Herpes is a virus that creates a chronic, lifelong infection. Once someone tests positive for this virus, then they will always test positive for herpes. Because the virus is not believed to spread unless there is symptomatic genital herpes present during sexual intercourse, however, routine testing is generally considered unnecessary unless the risk factors are in place.
When Is the HSV 2 Blood Test Most Useful?
If someone wants to know if they have genital herpes because of their sexual history, then the HSV 2 blood test can provide conclusive information about whether or not they have been infected. This result can then help to reduce future transmissions to additional sexual partners. It is also useful to confirm a herpes diagnosis if someone is suffering from the symptoms of an active infection.
The symptoms of an HSV 2 infection can be so mild that they are undetectable. Many people who are infected with genital herpes do not know that they have it. If there are active symptoms, however, they will typically involve the presence of a small blister that will eventually break and ooze fluid. The blister than scabs over and becomes a painful sore that takes several weeks to heal.
There may also be flu-like symptoms experienced with the first outbreak of symptoms after the initial infection. This may include a fever, chronic and severe fatigue, nausea, and dizziness.
The issue with an HSV 2 infection is that the body is always shedding the active virus. People can transmit HSV 2 even if they aren’t experiencing active symptoms. The herpes virus can also make people 2x more susceptible to other STD infections, particularly HIV. This is because small, unnoticeable cracks in the skin can occur around the genital region to allow the virus to have access to the body. Herpes also attracts the cells that HIV likes to infect.
I Have Symptoms, But My HSV 2 Blood Test Was Negative
Although HSV 2 is the most common infection that causes genital herpes, the HSV 1 virus can also cause the same signs and symptoms. Most of the time HSV 1 presents itself as an active infection by the presence of cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. These will last for about 10-14 days in most individuals and created crusted sores in the corner of the mouth that can make it very painful to eat.
If an individual with an active HSV 1 infection of the mouth performs oral sex on their partner, then this can create an active genital herpes infection. If this happens, then the HSV 2 blood test could be negative because a different herpes virus has caused the bothersome symptoms.
The HSV 2 blood test has also been known to create false positive results from time to time. If this blood test is positive, but you do not have any known genital herpes outbreaks, did not have a positive culture test, and did not have a positive PCR result, then an immunoblot test may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. If the immunoblot test is given, a test result that is higher than 1.1 is generally considered to be a strong indication of the presence of herpes.
The Average Person Experiences 4-6 Outbreaks of HSV 2 Per Year
The issue with HSV 2 is that it can spread even when safe sex measures are taken. A condom may not protect a sexual partner who has not been infected with herpes. It can be present on any skin that remains uncovered while having intercourse and then spread.
Sometimes genital herpes is mistaken for other health conditions, such as a bacterial, bladder, or yeast infection. If there are persistent symptoms that do not go away or are accompanied by tingling feelings around the genital region, then the HSV 2 blood test may help to provide confirmation of the health issue.
There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are treatments available that can help to lessen the symptoms that are experienced. Antivral medications can help with discomfort and some people may benefit from taking a daily medication that suppresses the virus. Even so, it is still possible to have 4-6 outbreaks every year.
The HSV 2 blood test is useful when it has never been given before. Once a person tests positive, however, then this blood test will always be positive because the antibodies never go away. It is a lifelong chronic infection. Speak to a medical provider today about your risk factors, take preventative measures to prevent transmission during sex, and avoid sexual contact with active symptoms. In doing so, you may be able to reduce or stop the spread of this virus.