About Herpes I & II
Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1, which usually causes cold sores) and type 2 (HSV-2, which causes most genital herpes). It spreads through contact with sores and through oral, anal or vaginal sex — including from partners who have no visible sore.
The virus stays in the body for life. Repeat outbreaks are common in the first year and tend to become shorter, milder and less frequent over time. Medicines do not cure herpes, but they can reduce outbreaks and lower the risk of passing it on.
Symptoms
What to Watch For
- Many people have no or very mild symptoms
- Blisters that break into painful sores
- Sores on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth
- Flu-like symptoms with a first outbreak — fever, body aches, swollen glands
Test Options
How CARIGEN Tests
- HSV-1/HSV-2 Panel — detects and differentiates herpes I and II
- STI-9* — screens for herpes and other STIs, without differentiating HSV-1 from HSV-2
- STI-11+ — screens for herpes and other STIs, and differentiates HSV-1 from HSV-2
*The STI-9 test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Caribbean Genetics. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or local regulations.