Herpes simplex virus Type 2

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an infection that primarily affects the genitals (genital herpes) and mouth (oral herpes). This infection is very common, affecting over 1 in 5 adults worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

During a herpes outbreak, people experience fluid-filled blisters . However, some people with herpes don't have outbreaks, so they don't realize they have the STI.

Both types of herpes are very contagious. The condition spreads through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Two types of herpes exist, including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Contrary to popular belief, both types of herpes can cause oral or genital herpes. As a result, it's false to say HSV-2 is solely "genital herpes."

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 spread through skin-to-skin contact. When the herpes virus enters the body through the skin and mucous membranes, the herpes infection can occur.

When someone has HSV-2, the virus:

• Uses the body's cells to make copies of itself (replication)
• Stays in the body for life, either remaining asleep (dormant) or activating to cause an outbreak

While no herpes cure exists, effective herpes HSV-2 treatment is available.

It's common to ask, "What does herpes look like?" The signs of HSV-2 vary depending on where the infection is located in the body. Below are common HSV-2 symptoms:

• Oral herpes features blisters on the lips and mouth
• Genital herpes involves blisters on and around the genitals

These fluid-filled blisters tend to rupture (break open) and ooze and bleed. After the sores break open, scabs form over the area.

With genital and oral herpes, people tend to notice tingling, itching, or burning up to 48 hours before the first blister appears. Those with genital herpes may also experience a fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.

The signs of HSV-2 are similar in men and women. However, the infection may affect different body parts.

• HSV-2 symptoms in females may include blisters on the vulva, vagina, and cervix
• HSV-2 symptoms in males may include blisters on the penis and scrotum

Herpes HSV-2 has three main stages. Each one comes with unique signs.

• Primary infection stage

  This is when the virus first enters the body. Some people may experience blisters and inflammation at this time. Others may have no symptoms.

• Latency stage

  Occurs when the immune system resolves the primary infection. The virus is still in the body, but it is mostly inactive (asleep). There are no symptoms during this time.

• Reactivation stage

  This is when the infected cells wake up. This can (1) end quickly with containment in the nerve tissue, (2) cause asymptomatic viral shedding (contagious without symptoms), or (3) cause a full herpes outbreak.

If left untreated, HSV-2 carries several health risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, these HSV-2 complications may include:

• A higher risk of catching or transmitting other STIs like HIV/AIDS
• Inflammation in the reproductive and urinary tracts
• Finger infection (herpetic whitlow)
• Eye infection (herpes keratitis), which can lead to blindness
• Brain swelling (HSV encephalitis), in rare cases

It's also possible to transmit HSV-2 to a newborn baby during delivery. This can increase the risk of serious infection and developmental problems in the baby.

Because you can have HSV-2 without symptoms, an HSV-2 herpes test is the only way to know if you have it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), you should test for HSV-2 in the following situations:

• You have herpes-like symptoms
• You had sex with someone who has genital herpes

A herpes HSV-2 test can provide the information you need about this STI.

You have more than one herpes testing option. You can choose between in-clinic testing or a convenient at-home collection HSV-2 test.

• Clinic testing involves going to a medical office to provide a sample for HSV-2 testing.
• A herpes at-home collection test allows you to collect a sample at home and then send it away for testing.

Many people prefer the convenience and privacy of herpes at-home collection testing options.

AllrangeKit offers a 13-in-1 at-home collection STI test that looks for HSV-2 and 12 other STIs with just a few easy steps:

• Order your 13-in-1 STI at-home collection test.
• Review the materials and instructions before getting started.
• Provide a urine sample in the collection container.
• Register your test by using the AllrangeKit App.
• Ship your sample to a CLIA-certified lab using the prepaid label.
• View your HSV-2 test results at home in the AllrangeKit App.

If your test shows you have herpes, we can help you with what to do after a positive HSV-2 test.

Because HSV-2 is caused by a virus, antiviral medications like acyclovir and valacyclovir are the treatment of choice. Two main types of HSV-2 herpes treatments are available:

• Episodic treatment to manage the symptoms of herpes outbreaks
• Chronic suppressive therapy for long-term treatment in people who have severe oral herpes outbreaks or have six or more outbreaks per year

According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic suppressive therapy can decrease symptom severity and reduce the number of outbreaks by 70% to 80%. It may also help protect sexual partners.

AllrangeKit offers prescription support for HSV-2.

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.