Get Tested

If you think you may have herpes, ask your doctor for a test. There are two types:

Blood test

If your healthcare provider thinks you’re at risk, he or she can do a blood test. This test is highly accurate and can find signs of the herpes virus, even if you don’t have symptoms. But, it may not find signs, if you got herpes within the last three to four months.

Swab test

You can get this test, if you have signs you can see. Your doctor or nurse touches a swab to an area of skin that looks like a herpes symptom. He or she tests what the swab collects to see if herpes is there.

You could have herpes even though the test says you don’t. Also, this test works best when symptoms are new.

If this test says you don’t have herpes, ask your doctor or nurse about a blood test.

Also of Interest

See how herpes can be passed from person to person, even when you don’t have symptoms.

Just learned you have herpes? Use this form (PDF Format) to talk about it with your doctor.