Why are Herpes tests so popular?

We have noticed an increase in the number of people asking for Herpes tests at Better2Know over the last few months, so we did a little digging to find out why.

Herpes comes in several forms, the most common of which are Herpes 1 (often called Herpes Simplex Virus I) and Herpes 2 (often called Herpes Simplex Virus II).  Herpes 1 usually affects the mouth and is very common, Herpes 2 usually affects the genitals.  With a little bit of imagination and throwing the words “oral sex”  into the mix, you can easily see how it would be possible to get Herpes 1 on your genitals and Herpes 2 in your mouth…

At a GUM clinic, you are unlikely to be offered a Herpes test unless you have symptoms.  Symptoms are usually little red blisters or cold sores, or a red rash.  Many GUM clinics will not test a cold sore or blister on your mouth.

However, do not worry, Better2Know understands that Herpes is a cunning virus and can be dormant for days, weeks, months or even years between outbreaks.  We would urge you not to have sex (or kiss) anyone (or anything) while you have an outbreak as that is when you are your most contagious and you risk passing the virus on.  The Better2Know Herpes blood test can test you for Herpes even when you do not have symptoms and can distinguish between Herpes 1 and Herpes 2.  It is available at all our STD Testing clinics across the UK and results are available just two days from when the sample is received in the lab.