The Importance of Herpes Testing: NYC is Ground Zero for Infections

NYC—home of the Mets, the Yankees, the Rangers, and the Ice Capades. Okay, maybe not the Ice Capades (we should be so lucky!). NYC is also home to a ridiculous amount of herpes infections. In fact, NYC leads the entire country—these great United States of America—in herpes infections. There’s something to be proud of, huh? Not. If you are sexually active it is time to receive STD testing so that you can know your status and receive the treatment you may need.

Herpes testing is a great way to begin a sexual health care regimen. After all, with so many people in NYC positive—and so many people oblivious to the fact—knowing puts you ahead of the curve. Herpes is not an STD that can be cured. It can only be treated, monitored, and kept in check. Yet with knowledge comes power and knowledge is always a good thing.

Herpes would seem an obvious STD. Meaning, that if positive, you would think you would know. Most people assume herpes carriers are walking around at all times with ugly sores riddling their lips and nether regions. This is not true. It is possible to be a carrier of herpes and never show a single symptom to the world. For these people, testing is the only way on Earth they can know if they are positive or not.

Let’s take a look at the herpes statistics. They are daunting, to be sure. In NYC, one out of four sexually active people are infected with the herpes virus. For the rest of the country, this number is one in five people infected. These numbers break down to another disturbing statistic, with over forty percent of sexually active people in North America positive for herpes.

Herpes is not one thing. There are two types of this disease that most people think of when referring to herpes. Testing can pin point both of these strains.

First there is HSV-1

HSV-1 is what typically is referred to as oral herpes. This can include the regular- and traditional-type of breakouts known as a simple cold sore.

Second there is HSV-2

This is what is generally referred to as genital herpes and creates sores on the penis, vulva, vagina, and even inside of a man’s and woman’s urinary tract and beyond.

Over the years, both these strains of herpes have sort of morphed into each other. It is not safe to say, at this time, that HSV-1 will stay on the lips and mouth area and HSV-2 will remain below the belt. There is a lot of back and forth with these herpes strains. Again, testing is the only sure-fire way to establish if you are infected. It is also the only way to let the doctor recommend treatment options for you.

Symptoms

As previously mentioned, it is possible that you will see no outward signs of sores and other symptoms, but still be a carrier. When this is the case, it does not mean you are immune to suffering the negative effects of the disease. If you happen to have symptoms they will be as follows:

·         Painful blisters

·         Swollen lymph glands

·         Aching muscles

·         Fever

·         Headache

The first breakouts are usually the worse, with subsequent breakouts being less severe. This is not the case for everyone, but commonly the recurring breakouts tend to be less painful and to heal faster.

If in NYC and in need of a certified STD testing clinic to administer testing for herpes—or for any other reason—please log onto Herpes testing NYC. This facility is a highly respected member of the medical establishment in midtown Manhattan, and is as professional and as discreet as can possibly be. Call 1-212-696-5900 for a convenient appointment today.