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What to know about HSV-2

by | Dec 24, 2023 | Uncategorized

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), or herpes, is a common sexually transmitted disease in the US. It can be divided into two different types: HSV type 1 (HSV-1) or HSV type 2 (HSV-2). While HSV-1 is usually transmitted through oral contact, causing oral herpes, HSV-2 is mainly transmitted through genitalia contact and produces genital herpes.

Around 572,000 new genital herpes infections occur every year, and around 85-90% of infections are still unrecognized or undiagnosed. If you’ve been sexually active with someone with genital herpes, it’s a good idea to learn more about HSV-2 and why it’s important to get tested.

Demographics

HSV-2 infections afflict about 12% of adults, 14 and up, which equates to approximately 18 million in the U.S. alone. It’s more commonly spread from men to women, and in non-Hispanic blacks than non-Hispanic whites.

Symptoms

Most infected people are usually asymptomatic. However, should symptoms occur, they could include genital itching, irritation, and lesions or small blisters around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The incubation period is an average of 4 days after exposure before vesicles break and leaves ulcers that can take 2-4 weeks to heal.

Complications

Due to an HSV-2 infection, it’s 2-4 times as likely to get HIV. The herpes infection causes breaks in the skin, which reduce the body’s ability to protect itself from HIV.

If you suspect herpes, ARCpoint Labs of The Woodlands has a Herpes Simplex Virus II test that requires a simple blood draw to give you the answers you seek.

Schedule an appointment today so ARCpoint Labs of The Woodlands can get you started on your path to health.

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