Who should be tested for presence of HSV-2?
The persons who are at greatest risk of an infection and its complications are the first groups that should be targeted for testing. Most people want to know whether they have acquired HSV-2 in the past and are at risk of passing the virus to others. They expect to be informed when they go to see their physician. Studies have shown that 92% of people want to know if they are infected, 90% want to know if their partner is infected, and 65% think that HSV testing is part of routine screening for STDs. Unfortunately, many clinics claim they are doing STD checks or workups but do not test for herpes. PAP smears are not a test for genital herpes. Listed below are guidelines for three greatest risk groups. However, if any person regardless of risk group exhibits the signs or symptoms of disease, they should be tested for presence of virus and counseled appropriately. 1. Persons attending Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinic or those who have been diagnosed with another STD We feel all
