Herpes Type 1 & 2 Panel

This blood test is used to detect both Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) by searching for antibodies to the viruses. HSV-1 and HSV-2 both cause oral and genital herpes. These tests measure Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most abundant type of antibody. IgG is found in all body fluids and protects against bacterial and viral infections.

The recommended minimum window period for the Herpes Type 1 and Herpes Type 2 panel is: 

• 4-6 weeks post potential exposure. 

What are Herpes Type 1 and Herpes Type 2?

The herpes simplex virus (HSV), commonly known as herpes, is an extremely common, incurable virus that causes sores on your mouth and/or genital area. There are two versions of herpes simplex known as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

What is the Difference Between Herpes Type 1 and Herpes Type 2?

While both strains of herpes cause similar symptoms, HSV-1 is the more common of the two and tends to be acquired during childhood. This one typically lives and causes sore outbreaks around the mouth and is known as “oral herpes,” even though it is possible for HSV-1 to affect the genital region. Contrary to popular belief, the sores it causes around the mouth are one and the same as “cold sores.”

HSV-2 is often referred to as “genital herpes,” but this strain of herpes can affect the oral region, although this is uncommon. Genital herpes often causes lesions around the genitals and anus.

Oral herpes is typically transmitted to the genital region through oral sex, and vice versa can happen, meaning you can get genital herpes in the mouth, also usually through oral sex.

What are Herpes Symptoms?

The majority of people that carry HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 are not experiencing symptoms (asymptomatic) and therefore are unaware they carry the virus. When symptoms do occur, they can be flu-like symptoms but almost always consist of painful, fluid-filled sores. After the initial outbreak of blisters from acquiring the virus, which can range from mild to severe, the outbreaks will gradually happen less and less until they stop completely.

Oral herpes symptoms include:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Irritability
• Pain/Tingling/Burning/Itching at the infection site
• Cold sores/Fever blisters
• Bumps/Pimple-like lesions
• Sore inside mouth/throat/nose
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swollen/bleeding gums

Genital herpes symptoms include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Small blisters/sores on genitals/buttocks/upper thighs/rectal area or even inside the urethra
• Itching/Tingling in genitals/anal region
• Painless red, raw/cracked area around genitals
• Backache