Knowledge is power when it comes to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Understanding how it spreads can protect you and others.
Learning your status from an at-home collection herpes test is also important.
Read on to learn more about HSV-1.
At-home testing with secure, clinician-reviewed results.
Herpes HSV-1 is also known as oral herpes (also called cold sores). However, it is possible to have HSV-1 on the genitals, as seen in HSV-2. This infection is very common. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 50% to 80% of U.S. adults have HSV-1.
HSV-1 is a virus that commonly affects the mouth and lips, but it can also infect the genital area through oral-genital contact. After initial infection, the virus remains inactive (dormant) in the body and may reactivate from time to time. Some people experience noticeable symptoms, while others never develop symptoms. Appropriate treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks and support symptom management.
Many people ask, "How is HSV-1 transmitted?" Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 spread through intimate person-to-person contact. HSV-2 spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. In contrast, HSV-1 spreads through:
Kissing
Skin-to-Skin
Saliva
Additionally, a mother can spread herpes to her baby if the virus is active during childbirth.
You can avoid these HSV-1 infection risks through safe sex and not sharing objects like lip care products and utensils.
HSV-1 comes with distinctive herpes signs and symptoms. Typically, herpes HSV-1 symptoms in females and males are similar. Oral herpes symptoms include mouth blisters.
If HSV-1 is present on or around the genitals, that is where the blisters will appear. Fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes can also occur.
Herpes HSV-1 is an infection that goes through three stages. These stages include the following:
This is when the virus first enters your body and starts replicating in the nerve cells of the mouth or genitals.
Occurs within a few weeks. At this point, the primary infection is gone, but HSV-1 is still in your nerve cells. The virus is "sleeping" at this time.
This is when the infected cells wake up to trigger an immune response. This could look like asymptomatic viral shedding or a symptomatic herpes outbreak. You are contagious in both situations.
1. Primary Infection Stage
2. Latency Stage
3. Reactivation Stage
Without treatment, HSV-1 outbreaks can be uncomfortable. However, in rare cases, HSV-1 complications can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these HSV-1 complications may include:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidance on how often to get a herpes test, such as an at-home HSV-1 collection test. In general, most people without symptoms don't need to test for HSV-1 herpes.
However, HSV-1 herpes testing might be helpful in the following situations:
If you suspect you have herpes, you likely want to learn more about how to get a herpes diagnosis. You can visit a clinic or take an at-home collection herpes test. Many people prefer the privacy and convenience of an at-home collection herpes test kit. These tests allow you to provide a sample privately and receive HSV-1 test results at home.
Depending on the type of test you take, you will provide one of the following samples:
AllrangeKit offers discreet, private, and easy herpes testing options. Using just a urine sample, we can provide information about herpes HSV-1 and 12 other STIs. Our HSV-1 test works as follows:
Your first step after receiving a positive HSV-1 result is to explore your treatment options with AllrangeKit. You may connect with a licensed clinician who can review your results, discuss appropriate treatments for managing outbreaks.
Here is a closer look at these two types of herpes medications:
AllrangeKit offers prescription support for HSV-1.
Our role is not only to help you test and receive clear, clinically validated information about your sexual health, but also to support appropriate next steps when treatment is indicated. If your at-home sample collection test returns a positive result for one of the eligible conditions, you may be connected with a licensed clinician for medical evaluation and, when appropriate, prescription treatment.
It is important to follow the clinician's guidance carefully, complete any prescribed medication as directed, and avoid sexual activity until a healthcare professional confirms it is safe to resume.
$ 109.00
At AllrangeKit, our at-home collection STD test can provide information about 13 different STIs, including HSV-1. We aim to provide accurate, easy, and secure STD testing for an affordable price, because everyone deserves to learn about their sexual health.
We invite you to buy your AllrangeKit and take control of your health today. Our support team can also answer your questions about our at-home collection test.
Use condoms
Limit sexual partners
Regular testing
Transparency
Yes, HSV-1 can spread when you don't have symptoms. This is called asymptomatic shedding.
Yes, cold sores are caused by HSV-1.
No, there is no cure for HSV-1. However, treatment can reduce the number of outbreaks and the chance of spreading it.
Yes. You can test for herpes at home. This is excellent news for people asking, "Is there an at-home herpes test?"
The accuracy of home herpes tests is generally reasonable. With the AllrangeKit, we send our tests to CLIA-certified labs that use Multiplex PCR testing to enhance accuracy.
The herpes simplex virus type 1 causes HSV-1. It can spread through kissing or oral sex.
Chlamydia
Trichomoniasis
Oral herpes
Genital herpes
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
NGU
Vaginitis
Urethritis
NGU
LGV
Chancroid
CMV infection
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