Question 1

What is Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection?

Accepted Answer

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) infection is a common viral infection that primarily causes oral herpes, manifesting as cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and lips. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, which remains dormant in nerve cells after initial infection and can reactivate periodically throughout life. The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG) with Reflex to HSV-2 Inhibition test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects specific antibodies that confirm past or current 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 mucous membranes. You can contract HSV-1 by kissing someone with an active cold sore, sharing utensils or lip balm, or touching a cold sore and then touching your mouth. The virus enters through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, travels to nerve cells, and remains dormant in your system for life, occasionally reactivating to cause outbreaks of cold sores.

Question 3

What is the best test for HSV-1 infection?

Accepted Answer

The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG) with Reflex to HSV-2 Inhibition test is the most important test for HSV-1 infection because it detects IgG antibodies that your immune system produces in response to the virus. This blood test can identify HSV-1 infection even when you have no symptoms or visible cold sores, which is valuable since many people with HSV-1 never develop noticeable outbreaks. The test also includes reflex testing to distinguish HSV-1 from HSV-2, ensuring accurate diagnosis of which herpes virus type you have been exposed to.

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, have been intimate with someone who has oral herpes, notice tingling or burning sensations on your lips before sores appear, or want to know your HSV-1 status before starting a new relationship. Testing is especially important if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as knowing your status helps prevent transmission to your baby. Even if you have never had symptoms, testing can reveal if you have been exposed to HSV-1, since up to 90% of infected people never experience noticeable outbreaks.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HSV-1 infection?

Accepted Answer

HSV-1 symptoms typically include painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores on or around the lips, mouth, or face, commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. Before sores appear, you might experience tingling, itching, or burning sensations at the site. Other symptoms during initial infection can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and general body aches. Many people with HSV-1 never develop visible symptoms, while others experience recurrent outbreaks triggered by stress, illness, sun exposure, or a weakened immune system.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HSV-1 infection?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can contract HSV-1, but certain factors increase your risk, including close contact with someone who has active cold sores, sharing eating utensils or personal items like lip balm or razors, and engaging in oral-to-oral or oral-to-genital contact. Children are particularly vulnerable because HSV-1 is often transmitted through kissing from family members. People with weakened immune systems, those under significant stress, and individuals with eczema or other skin conditions have increased susceptibility to infection and more frequent outbreaks.

Question 7

What happens if HSV-1 is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If HSV-1 is left untreated, the virus remains in your body permanently and can reactivate periodically, causing recurrent cold sore outbreaks that may become more frequent or severe. Untreated HSV-1 can spread to other parts of your body, including your eyes (causing keratitis that may lead to vision loss), fingers (herpetic whitlow), or brain (encephalitis in rare cases). You also risk transmitting the virus to sexual partners or newborn babies during delivery, which can cause serious complications. While HSV-1 cannot be cured, antiviral treatment significantly reduces outbreak frequency, severity, and transmission risk.

Question 8

Can HSV-1 be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HSV-1 can be diagnosed with a blood test that detects IgG antibodies your immune system produces in response to the virus. Blood tests are particularly useful because they can identify HSV-1 infection even when you have no visible symptoms or active cold sores, unlike swab tests that require an active lesion. The blood test shows whether you have been exposed to HSV-1 at any point in your life, though it cannot pinpoint exactly when the infection occurred. Keep in mind that it takes several weeks after initial infection for antibodies to develop, so testing too early may produce a false negative result.

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 and help prevent transmission to others. For occasional outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe episodic therapy that you take at the first sign of symptoms. If you experience frequent or severe outbreaks, suppressive therapy involves taking daily antiviral medication to reduce outbreak frequency and viral shedding. Over-the-counter treatments and topical creams can provide symptom relief, while keeping the affected area clean and avoiding triggers like stress and sun exposure helps manage the condition long-term.

Question 10

How can I prevent HSV-1 infection?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent HSV-1 infection by avoiding direct contact with cold sores or saliva from infected individuals, not sharing eating utensils, lip balm, towels, or other personal items, and refraining from kissing or oral contact when you or your partner has active sores. If you have HSV-1, wash your hands frequently, especially after touching your mouth, and avoid touching your eyes or other body parts after contact with a cold sore. Using sunscreen on your lips, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining a strong immune system can help prevent outbreaks if you are already infected.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with HSV-1?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies that may help manage HSV-1 symptoms include applying ice or cold compresses to sores to reduce pain and swelling, using lysine supplements or lysine-rich foods like fish and chicken, and applying aloe vera gel or lemon balm to affected areas for soothing relief. Keeping your immune system strong through adequate sleep, stress management, and a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and E can help reduce outbreak frequency. While these natural approaches may provide symptom relief and support overall health, they should complement rather than replace antiviral medications prescribed by your healthcare provider for managing active outbreaks.

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 (Oral Herpes) Blood Test

What is Herpes Simplex Virus Type 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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