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Posted by David | Posted on 28-07-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Condoms Help Protect against Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2)

Category : herpes test, std testing

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ScienceDaily (July 15, 2009) — Condom use is associated with a reduced risk of contracting herpes simplex virus 2, according to a report based on pooled analysis of data from previous studies.

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) typically causes genital herpes, a chronic, life-long, viral infection. Although studies indicate that consistent condom use reduces the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, the effectiveness of preventing the transmission of HSV-2 through condom use is less certain, according to background information in the article.

Emily T. Martin, M.P.H., Ph.D., of Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues analyzed data from six HSV-2 studies to assess the effectiveness of condom use in preventing the virus. The studies included three candidate HSV-2 vaccine studies, an HSV-2 drug study, an observational sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence study and a behavioral STI intervention study. These yielded results from 5,384 HSV-2-negative individuals (average age 29) at baseline for a combined total of 2,040,894 follow-up days.

More than 66 percent of those who took part in the six studies were male, 60.4 percent were white, 94.1 percent were heterosexual and most reported no prior STIs.

A total of 415 of the individuals acquired HSV-2 during follow-up. “Consistent condom users [used 100 percent of the time] had a 30 percent lower risk of HSV-2 acquisition compared with those who never used condoms,” the authors write. “Risk of HSV-2 acquisition decreased by 7 percent for every additional 25 percent of the time that condoms were used during anal or vaginal sex.” The risk of acquiring the virus increased significantly with increasing frequency of unprotected sex acts. There were no significant differences found in condom effectiveness between men and women.

“Based on findings of this large analysis using all available prospective data, condom use should continue to be recommended to both men and women for reducing the risk of HSV-2 acquisition,” the authors conclude. “Although the magnitude of the protective effect was not as large as has been observed with other STIs, a 30 percent reduction in HSV-2 incidence can have a substantial benefit for individuals as well as a public health impact at the population level.”

Funding for this project was provided by grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Take a Herpes Blood Test

If you think you may have been exposed to the Herpes virus, you should take a Herpes Blood Test. Taking a Herpes Blood Test through HealthCheckUSA means you don’t need a prescription from your doctor, and you’ll be able to get your results quickly and privately at a discounted price.

HealthCheckUSA offers many lab tests that are affordable and do not require a doctor’s prescription. We also have over 5,000 locations throughout the United States. Besides the Herpes test, we also offer STD testing.

HerpeSelect® Herpes Blood Test
HerpeSelect is the brand name of HSV diagnostic blood test kits manufactured by Focus Diagnostics. Available at HealthCheckUSA, HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test

HerpeSelect herpes blood test assays are designed to aid in the diagnosis of:
• Sexually active adults, with or without symptoms, who could transmit the virus to a sexual partner.
• Expectant mothers, to reduce the risk acquiring an infection near labor and transmitting the infection during labor.

About HealthcheckUSA, your Low Cost Blood Testing Solution

HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood tests without a physician’s referral and at more than half the price of what a the same blood tests cost in a lab without insurance.

HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days.

Popular Blood Tests From HealthCheckUSA

Super Chemistry Blood Testing Panel
Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Total of 40 Blood Tests through HealthCheckUSA. Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

Super Chemistry plus Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Testing Panel
Prostate Cancer Blood Test (PSA) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

Super Chemistry plus Thyroid Panel Blood Testing Panel
Thyroid Panel (T3 Uptake, T4 Total and TSH) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

Men’s Blood Testing Panel
PSA, Diabetes Management Test (HbA1c), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Testosterone Total plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com..

Women’s Blood Testing Panel
Thyroid Panel (T3 Uptake, T4 Total and TSH), Diabetes Management Test (HbA1c), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

Posted by David | Posted on 21-07-2009

HerpeSelect Herpes Laboratory Test; available at HealthCheckUSA

Category : Blood Testing, herpes test, HIV Testing, std testing

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Taking a HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test is extremely important if you’re sexually active and think you’ve been exposed to HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus). There is no cure for Herpes, and it’s estimated by experts that 60 million Americans have the virus that causes genital herpes. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for getting the Herpes virus.

HerpeSelect Herpes Blood Test Facts

Ask to be Tested?

Diagnosing genital herpes by physical examination alone is difficult for your healthcare provider. For this reason, laboratory tests can be useful for helping to diagnosis and will help you and your healthcare provider determine what actions need to be taken to manage your symptoms and help you prevent transmission to a sexual partner or unborn child.

Laboratory testing is required for an accurate diagnosis.

The following information will help you take an active role in your diagnosis and treatment. When visiting your healthcare provider it is important to disclose how long you have had the sore or lesion and if you have experienced symptoms previously.
• If you have genital lesions or sores at the time of your physical exam, a swab of the lesion may be taken and sent to the laboratory for viral culture.
• If your lesions are healing, your symptoms are unclear, or you are sexually active but do not have symptoms, a blood test may be performed to confirm infection.
Based on the sample taken, your healthcare provider may order a variety of tests to help make a diagnosis. It is important to make sure a type specific HSV test is requested. This information is important because the prognosis and other decisions for a HSV-1 differ from HSV-2.

HerpeSelect® Tests

Available at HealthCheckUSA.com
HerpeSelect is the brand name of HSV diagnostic test kits manufactured by Focus Diagnostics. Available at HealthCheckUSA, HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test

HerpeSelect assays are designed to aid in the diagnosis of:
• Sexually active adults, with or without symptoms, who could transmit the virus to a sexual partner.
• Expectant mothers, to reduce the risk acquiring an infection near labor and transmitting the infection during labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) I think I have genital herpes. Is it necessary to get tested?

Yes. It is important that you seek testing from your health professional so that you can be properly diagnosed. If you are diagnosed with genital herpes, you and your physician can discuss ways to manage this disease and reduce the risk of transmission to your partner or baby, if you are pregnant.

2) How is herpes diagnosed?

Health professionals diagnose herpes by taking your medical/sexual history, performing a clinical examination, and ordering laboratory tests. The presence of herpes virus can sometimes be determined from a swab of an active lesion (sore). A blood test (serology) can determine if you have herpes, even if you don’t have symptoms. Newer serology methods utilize highly specific technology that can determine if you have herpes type-1 or type-2 (genital herpes).

3) Can you spread genital herpes when you are not having an outbreak?

Yes. Genital herpes can be spread even when there are no visible signs of outbreak. This is called asymptomatic viral shedding. Most people contract genital herpes from an infected partner who has no symptoms.

4) If I become pregnant and have genital herpes, can I transmit it to the baby?

It is possible to transmit infection to your baby if you become infected during pregnancy or if you have an outbreak at the time of delivery. Your healthcare provider can discuss ways to reduce the possibility of transmission to your baby and carefully monitor you for symptoms during your pregnancy. Women with genital herpes can have healthy babies.

5) Is there any connection between AIDS and herpes?

Genital herpes, and other genital diseases that produce sores, increase a person’s risk of getting HIV if they are sexually active with an infected (HIV) individual. People who have both infections have more frequent symptoms and shed virus at a much higher rate, thus increasing the likelihood of transmitting infection.

6) Who gave this to me?

If you have been sexually involved with more than one partner, it will be difficult to determine the source of infection, as genital herpes infection can be spread even when there are no visible signs of outbreak. As genital herpes infections are often asymptomatic or symptoms go unrecognized, it will also be difficult to determine when you were first infected. Over 50% of people contracting herpes get it from a partner who is unaware they have it.

7) What do I tell my partner?

It is important to share this information with your partner before you become sexually active. If this has already happened, there is a very good chance your partner has already been infected and needs to visit a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. The best approach is to be direct and honest. Carefully think of the words you will use and deliver them in a frank, open manner that will lead the way to further discussion about your sexual relationship. Since herpes is just one of many sexually transmitted diseases, and the consequences of some are more grim than herpes, this dialog is necessary to built the trust and commitment needed for a relationship.

8 ) Where can I get more information about herpes?

The American Social Health Association has a Herpes Resource Center to assist people with herpes. There is a quarterly newsletter, called The Helper, a telephone hotline, and information about local HELP groups.

For more information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

National Herpes Resource Center
American Social Health Association
P.O. Box 1327
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Herpes Hotline
1 (919) 361-8488

http://www.ashastd.org/hrc

Or

Call the CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease National Hotline at (800) 227-8922

9) Where can I purchase the HerpeSelect Herpes Test?

The HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test is available at HealthCheckUSA at an affordable price.

Source: Focus Technologies, HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test

Low Cost STD Testing From HealthCheckUSA

HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price. HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

Blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days.

Posted by David | Posted on 21-07-2009

Did you know that HealthCheckUSA offers Low Cost Herpes Blood Testing?

Category : blood tests, herpes test, std testing

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Taking a HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test is extremely important if you’re sexually active and think you’ve been exposed to HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus). There is no cure for Herpes, and it’s estimated by experts that 60 million Americans have the virus that causes genital herpes. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for getting the Herpes virus.

Herpes Facts

The Herpes Virus Family

There are eight herpes viruses currently known to infect humans. The most common is herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) which is generally associated with cold sores, fever blisters and occasionally genital herpes. The other is herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), most commonly associated with genital herpes and occasionally oral infection. Herpes simplex viruses are contagious and are transmitted through physical contact. Herpes is not a life-threatening disease, but it is a lifelong disease and symptoms can recur at any time.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

Herpes symptoms can be difficult to recognize if you are unaware you have the virus. In fact, some patients do not experience any symptoms at all. Shedding (multiplying of the HSV virus) can occur in the absence of symptoms through genital secretions. One study found that 70% of people get herpes from a partner who is unaware they have active herpes at the time they transmit the disease.

When people think of herpes they visualize typical symptoms like a “cold sore” or “fever blister”, however symptoms can also include:
• itching
• burning
• redness
• chaffing
• rash
• vaginal discharge
• bumps

Patients and physicians can also confuse symptoms with different diagnosis:

Female
• Vaginitis
• Yeast infection
• Ingrown hair
• UTI/Bladder infection

Male
• Zipper burn
• Jock itch
• Ingrown hair
• Hemorrhoids

It is important that you share with your healthcare provider the symptoms you have experienced or are experiencing, this will aid in your diagnosis and treatment.

Almost 90% of patients that have HSV-2 will experience an outbreak in the first year. On average HSV-2 positive persons may have 4 outbreaks annually. Once infected, the virus will remain dormant until it is triggered again. It isn’t clearly understood what may trigger the virus but it may be attributed to stress, menstruation, vigorous sex, or a worn down immune system. Once the virus begins shedding, the outbreak may occur at the same site as the initial infection or spread to neighboring areas. Lesions or sores will last for 7 to 10 days, however each individual may be different.

The rate of frequency of symptoms can be uncomfortable, annoying and create anxiety. To reduce the frequency of outbreaks, suppression therapy options may be available.

Getting Tested – Should you?

Visiting a physician or STD clinic for an STD screening can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. It is important to openly speak with the physician about your sexual history and the tests that will be performed. Some physicians and STD clinics DO NOT offer herpes testing as part of the routine STD screening.

CDC states that at least 45 million Americans have HSV-2, and there are up to a million new infections each year. Of the 1 in 5 infected with HSV-2, 90% are unaware they have the virus.

African American women have about three times higher risk of acquiring HSV-2 than Caucasians.

Anyone who is sexually active, no matter how many partners, may be at risk for acquiring a STD. There is no clear formula for who is the most at risk, however if you are sexually active, then it is important to know your and your partner’s HSV status.

In recent years, studies have associated a synergy between HSV-2 infections and an increased rate of becoming infected with HIV. The herpes virus can act as a portal for HIV and increases individuals chances of acquiring HIV by two to three times. Additionally, HIV positive patients have a worn down immune system and have a harder time fighting off infection so a HSV-2 infection will increase the progression of HIV.

Pregnant women also need to know their HSV status so they can reduce the risk of passing the virus to their baby during delivery. Neonatal herpes is very serious and can lead to infant mortality. Women who have tested negative for HSV-2 and have had no symptoms should also know their partners status. Should pregnant women become infected near labor, there is increased risk of neonatal herpes. Often a physician will recommend a cesarean section to HSV-2 positive pregnant women to avoid passing the virus to the infant.

Source: Focus Technologies, HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test

Low Cost STD Testing From HealthCheckUSA

HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price. HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

Blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days.

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