Are you searching answer to the question “How Long Does it Take for Herpes to Show up?” The answer is here in details.
What is herpes virus?
HSV is also known as the herpes virus. It causes both oral and genital herpes. HSV-1 is most commonly responsible for oral herpes. HSV-2 causes most often genital herpes. Both viruses can cause sores known as herpes lesions. It can take 2 to 12 days before symptoms appear and the virus is detected.
This article will cover everything you need to know about how long does it take for herpes to show up and how to prevent your partner from getting it.
Herpes incubation times
Your body must first produce antibodies and proteins necessary to fight infection. These proteins kill the virus, bacteria, or other pathogens. The incubation period is the time for antibodies to develop after being exposed to HSV. The Incubation Period is between 2 and 12 days for oral and genital herpes.
Testing and treating sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) early is essential. However, it is equally important not to test too soon. Your body may develop an immune response to the virus during incubation. You might still test negative for herpes.
An antibody test will not show antibodies if your immune system still lacks the antibodies. This could lead to you believing you don’t have it, even though you may.
When can you get tested?
Herpes can incubate for between 2 and 12 days. If you haven’t experienced an initial outbreak, it is best to get tested after 12 days. Here are some things you can do if you suspect you have been exposed to the herpes virus.
- Stop all sexual activity if you are sexually active until you receive a formal diagnosis.
- Contact your doctor to schedule an appointment once the incubation period has ended.
- You don’t need to wait until an outbreak is tested. A diagnosis can be made based on the location of the lesions.
Types of tests that are used to diagnose herpes
Four types of tests can be used for diagnosing herpes. Based on the severity of an outbreak, your doctor will recommend which test to use.
Your doctor may recommend a virus antigen detection or a viral culture test if you suspect you have a herpes infection. You can also have an antibody test if you don’t experience symptoms.
- Viral culture testing. This test is used to check if the sore has the herpes virus. Sometimes, this test may produce a false negative. This means that the virus might not be detected even though it is present.
- A virus antigen detection test. It is used to detect antigens for the herpes virus in a sore.
- Antibody test. You can have an antibody test done if you believe you have been exposed, even though you are not currently experiencing an outbreak. If the antibodies to the virus are already developed, this test will not show a positive result. This test is not recommended for people who have been exposed to the virus in recent years.
- A polymerase chain reaction test (PCR). This can be used to determine if you have HSV and the type of HSV.
How long does it take for symptoms of herpes to show up?
Herpes symptoms can take from 4 to 7 days to show up. Both oral and genital herpes outbreaks can have similar symptoms.
Herpes lesion is a condition in which some sores look like blisters. These are called herpes lesions.
People may also experience these symptoms before the outbreak.
- Redness and pain, particularly around the area where the outbreak is likely to occur.
- Itching and tingling, especially in the area of the outbreak
- Flu-like symptoms include fever, fatigue, swelling, and swollen lymph nodes.
The virus is reproducing, so most symptoms are present before an outbreak. The symptoms are often the most severe during the first herpes epidemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)Trusted Source states that subsequent herpes outbreaks are often less severe. People become more familiar with the symptoms and signs of an approaching epidemic.
Is it possible to have herpes without knowing?
Some people who have the herpes virus are asymptomatic. This means they don’t feel any symptoms. However, this doesn’t mean they are immune to spreading the disease.
Anybody with the herpes virus can spread it to others, regardless of whether they are symptomatic.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, a blood test can detect if you have the herpes virus and antibodies in your body. If you haven’t been tested in time, the only way that you might miss the virus is if it hasn’t been detected.
How can you prevent herpes from spreading?
Herpes is a long-lasting virus that cannot be treated. However, there are periods of dormancy in between outbreaks. The virus is not actively replicating, so it is still possible to get herpes.
You may not feel any symptoms or signs of the disease during this period, even if there has been an outbreak in the past.
Even if there are no sores, the herpes virus can still be spread to sexual partners. It is possible, though rare, to transmit the oral herpes virus to the genital area and vice versa.
It is important to remember the following preventive HTML5_ measures.
- Inform your partners that you have either genital or oral herpes. This will allow them to make informed decisions about sexual health and is the responsible thing to do.
- Avoid contact with anyone if you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate an outbreak. During an outbreak, you are most likely to spread it to others.
- Even if there is no outbreak, it is possible to spread the herpes virus, research will show that antivirals can effectively reduce the risk of spreading the virus to your partner.
You don’t have to stop having sex with someone who has oral or genital herpes. It is your responsibility to prevent the spread of herpes from your partner.
You can still care for your sexual health if you have herpes by having open communication and safer sex.
Conclusion
You should wait until the incubation period has passed if you have been exposed to the herpes virus before you are tested.
You must avoid any sexual activity during this period until you have a formal diagnosis. Many testing options are available, but your doctor will determine which test is best for you.
If you really enjoyed article “How Long Does it Take for Herpes to Show up?“, then I will be very thankful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to your friends, or sharing it on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Thank you!
Did you read about How Long Does it Take for Herpes to Show up? Which one blog you are reading—and how it is similar to one of these?
Recap of we just learned
- How Long Does it Take for Herpes to Show up?
- What is herpes virus?
- Herpes incubation times
- When can you get tested?
- Types of tests that are used to diagnose herpes
- How long does it take for symptoms of herpes to show up?
- Is it possible to have herpes without knowing?
- How can you prevent herpes from spreading?
Related Topics
Here are some more interesting articles for you!
- How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps on Pubic Area?
- Does a Sauna Help You Lose Weight?
- What Does it Mean When You Die in Your Dream?
- Does Riding a Bike Help You Lose Weight?
- How Many Bottles of Water Should I Drink a Day?
- How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection at Home?
- How Long Does it Take for Hemorrhoids to Go Away?