Question 1

What is Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Infection?

Accepted Answer

HSV-1 infection is a common viral infection that primarily causes cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth and lips. It is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, which establishes a lifelong infection in nerve cells and can reactivate periodically. The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), Type Specific Antibodies test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects specific antibodies that indicate current or past HSV-1 infection.

Question 2

What causes HSV-1 infection?

Accepted Answer

HSV-1 infection is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, which spreads through direct contact with infected saliva, skin, or mucosal surfaces. The virus is highly contagious and commonly transmitted through kissing, sharing utensils, lip balm, or towels with someone who has an active outbreak or is shedding the virus without visible symptoms. Once infected, the virus travels to nerve cells near the spine where it remains dormant and can reactivate periodically, causing recurrent cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and lips.

Question 3

What is the best test for HSV-1 infection?

Accepted Answer

The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), Type Specific Antibodies test is the most important test for HSV-1 infection because it detects specific IgG antibodies that your body produces in response to the virus. This blood test can identify both current and past infections, even when you have no visible symptoms or sores. The test is highly accurate and can distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2, ensuring you know exactly which type of herpes virus you have been exposed to, which is essential for understanding your infection status and transmission risk.

Question 4

When should I get tested for HSV-1?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have recurrent cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth, if you have been exposed to someone with oral herpes, or if you want to know your HSV-1 status before entering a new relationship. Testing is also recommended if you experience tingling, burning, or itching sensations around your lips before sores appear, or if you have been intimate with someone who has HSV-1. Getting tested helps you understand your infection status, manage outbreaks effectively, and take steps to prevent transmission to others.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HSV-1 infection?

Accepted Answer

HSV-1 symptoms include painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores on or around the lips, mouth, or nose, often called cold sores or fever blisters. Before sores appear, you might notice tingling, burning, or itching sensations in the affected area. Many people also experience flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches. Some people with HSV-1 have no noticeable symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others through viral shedding.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HSV-1 infection?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can contract HSV-1, but you are at higher risk if you have close contact with someone who has active cold sores or is shedding the virus asymptomatically. Children often contract HSV-1 from family members through kissing or sharing items. Athletes in contact sports, healthcare workers, and people with weakened immune systems also have increased risk. Most people acquire HSV-1 during childhood, and by adulthood, approximately 50-80% of adults in the United States have been infected with the virus.

Question 7

What happens if HSV-1 is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated HSV-1 typically causes recurrent cold sore outbreaks that can be painful and uncomfortable, affecting your quality of life and self-confidence. The virus can spread to other areas of your body, including your eyes, which can lead to herpes keratitis and potentially serious vision problems. In rare cases, HSV-1 can cause severe complications such as encephalitis (brain inflammation) or disseminated infection, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Understanding your infection status and managing outbreaks with appropriate treatment helps prevent complications and reduces transmission to others.

Question 8

Can HSV-1 be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HSV-1 can be accurately diagnosed with a blood test that detects type-specific IgG antibodies against the virus. Blood tests are particularly valuable because they can identify HSV-1 infection even when you have no active sores or symptoms, unlike swab tests that require visible lesions. The blood test shows whether you have been exposed to HSV-1 and have developed antibodies, indicating either a current or past infection. Results typically show positive antibodies within a few weeks to months after initial infection, though it can take up to 16 weeks for antibodies to develop fully.

Question 9

How is HSV-1 treated?

Accepted Answer

HSV-1 is treated with antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, which reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks. For people with frequent outbreaks, doctors may prescribe daily suppressive therapy to reduce the frequency of recurrences and viral shedding. Over-the-counter creams and pain relievers can help manage symptoms during outbreaks. While there is no cure for HSV-1 and the virus remains in your body permanently, antiviral treatment effectively controls symptoms and reduces transmission risk to others.

Question 10

How can I prevent HSV-1?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent HSV-1 by avoiding direct contact with cold sores or saliva from someone with an active outbreak, and by not sharing items like lip balm, utensils, towels, or razors. Practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding touching your face helps prevent spreading the virus to other parts of your body. If you have HSV-1, avoid kissing or oral contact during outbreaks and consider taking antiviral medication to reduce viral shedding. Using sunscreen on your lips and managing stress can help prevent outbreak triggers if you are already infected.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with HSV-1?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies that may help manage HSV-1 outbreaks include applying ice or cool compresses to sores to reduce pain and swelling, and keeping the affected area clean and dry. Lysine supplements may help reduce outbreak frequency for some people, while avoiding foods high in arginine like chocolate and nuts during outbreaks might be beneficial. Applying aloe vera gel, lemon balm, or propolis to cold sores may promote healing and provide relief. Managing stress through adequate sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques can help prevent outbreak triggers, though these remedies should complement rather than replace medical treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HSV-1 Blood Test (Herpes Type 1)

What is Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Infection?

What causes HSV-1 infection?

What is the best test for HSV-1 infection?

When should I get tested for HSV-1?

References

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