Is HSV-1 an STD?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).

What does it mean to be HSV-1 positive?

A positive HSV-1 or HSV-2 IgG antibody test means antibodies are present in your blood, which means you have had an infection in the past even if you haven’t noticed any symptoms. The type of antibody detected indicates the type of HSV infection.

What can HSV-1 cause?

Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum.

Should I be worried if I have HSV-1?

And it’s not just the risk of spreading a cold sore that you should be worried about. If you have an HSV-1 infection, you can give your partner genital herpes through oral sex. Having an open sore increases risk of an STD by providing the virus or bacteria a direct route into the body.

Is HSV-1 or 2 worse?

HSV-1 can cause “genital herpes,” but most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2. Typically, someone with HSV-2 will have sores around the genitals or rectum. Symptoms are usually the most intense during the first outbreak and become less intense over time.

Does HSV-1 show up on STD tests?

In general, though, if you do not have symptoms, there is no need for you to have any diagnostic testing for HSV type 1, which causes cold sores. If you may have been exposed to HSV type 2, a sexually transmitted disease that causes genital sores, you may need to be tested even if you do not have lesions.

How do I tell someone I have HSV-1?

How to Tell Someone You Have Genital Herpes

1. Do You Need to Tell Them?
2. Before You Tell Them, Practice.
3. Don’t Overthink It.
4. Choose the Right Moment to Chat.
5. Tell Them Directly, But Not With an Apology.
6. Put Genital Herpes in Context.
7. Offer to Provide More Information on the Virus.
8. Let Your Partner Think Before Making a Decision.

Can I spread HSV-1 to other parts of my body?

You can spread herpes to other parts of your body if you touch a herpes sore and then touch your mouth, genitals, or eyes without washing your hands first. You can also pass herpes to someone else this way.

What is the risk of getting HSV1?

HSV-1 can be transmitted from oral or skin surfaces that appear normal and when there are no symptoms present. However, the greatest risk of transmission is when there are active sores. Individuals who already have HSV-1 oral herpes infection are unlikely to be subsequently infected with HSV-1 in the genital area.

Is HSV-1 considered a STD?

They are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two kinds of herpes virus: HSV-1, which is usually not an STD and occurs on the lip, and HSV-2, which usually causes herpes genitalis, which is essentially an STD in the genital area. Both viruses can be transmitted by saliva, body secretions or oral sex.

What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?

Once either strain enters your body, it remains dormant there for life. Typically, HSV-1 settles in nerves on the base of the neck, while HSV-2 stays close to the base of the spine. HSV-1 statistically has a lower chance of recurrences than HSV-2, but HSV-2 symptoms have been shown to become less severe as time passes.

Can HSV go away?

In most cases, your body can produce antibodies against the virus and clear the virus within one to two years. Most strains of HPV go away permanently without treatment. Because of this, it isn’t uncommon to contract and clear the virus completely without ever knowing that you had it.