Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2, IgG

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, causes infections related to the skin. Herpes is highly contagious and can be spread through sexual contact or skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. The infection lasts a lifetime, and it causes painful or itchy sores and blisters that come and go. While herpes is not curable, it can be well managed with medicines. 

Herpes can be of two types based on the types of herpes simplex virus which are HSV-1 or HSV-2. HSV-1 is commonly known as oral herpes which usually causes cold sores and blisters on your mouth or the face. It can spread through contact with saliva such as kissing. On the other hand, HSV-2 can lead to genital herpes as it is usually transmitted through sexual contact. However, either type can infect any area of the body.  

Most individuals with herpes have no symptoms or experience only mild symptoms. While many individuals do not know that they have herpes infection, they may unknowingly pass the virus on to others. Those who exhibit symptoms may experience painful, recurring blisters or ulcers, fever, body aches, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms may also be different during the first episode (outbreak) of infection than during a recurrent episode. 

Your doctor may recommend the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2, IgG test when you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of herpes infection. This test checks for the presence of IgG antibodies against HSV-1 and HSV-2 that your body produces in response to the viral infection. Usually, no specific preparation is needed to get this test done. You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history and symptoms to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings and formulate your treatment plan. Negative results may not exclude an eventual infection, in case of equivocal results, a repeat test is recommended after 8-14 days.