Herpes Testing, Treatment and Prevention
The Fleet Street Clinic offers PCR testing for genital herpes – with same day results – and prompt treatment. We also offer antibody testing for past infection.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection passed through anal, oral and vaginal sex. It is caused by herpes simplex virus, of which there are two types (called HSV1 and HSV2).
Only a third of people develop symptoms at the time they are infected with the herpes virus. In these people, small blisters occur, that then rupture leaving red, open sores. These blisters are painful and can tingle or burn. Some people can also experience a burning sensation when passing urine.
Although the initial blisters will heal and resolve, the herpes virus remains dormant or latent in the nerve endings.
There is currently no treatment to eliminate latent herpes virus, so individuals can experience recurrences of these symptoms. A recurrence of herpes may or may not show symptoms but will still be infectious to others.
We can provide suppressive treatment to help limit recurrences.
How is herpes spread?
The herpes virus is spread via sexual contact.
It is easily spread from person-to-person by direct skin-to-skin contact, or indirectly such as by sharing sex toys with an infected individual and is highly contagious.
Individuals are the most infectious when symptoms are present, however, herpes can be spread from an infected person even if they don’t have current symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Blisters are the main feature of a herpes infection.
The commonest symptoms are:
- Tingling, itching or burning sensations around the genitals.
- Small blisters that burst leaving red open sores
- Pain on urination
- Fever, headache, muscle aches
How is it tested?
Testing for herpes can be done if any active lesions are apparent. It is not required to get tested for herpes unless you have any active lesions.
We are able to perform two types of tests for herpes depending if you have a current or past infection.
Current infection
A small swab can be taken from a blister to test for the herpes virus. As this test requires a sample of the fluid within the blister, it can only be performed if you have active blisters or sores. This test will only confirm the presence of the herpes virus but will not tell us when you were infected (as people can be infected long before they show symptoms) or from who you have caught herpes from. It may also be detectable from a urine sample.
Results are available on the same day.
Past infection
A sample of blood can be taken to see if you have antibodies to herpes. Antibodies develop and persist in the blood stream once you have been infected with herpes. It is important to note that this test does not show if you are currently infected or infectious with herpes, and cannot tell you when you were infected whom you have caught herpes from.
Results are available after 2 days.
What happens if I test positive?
We will prescribe anti-viral treatment for you
If you have a current infection with herpes, antiviral medication can be used to help stop the virus replicating. In addition to this, a topical anaesthetic ointment can be used to relieve pain. This medication is available in the clinic and can be offered at your appointment.
Can herpes be completely cured?
Anti-viral medication can treat an active outbreak but not remove the virus completely.
An active outbreak of herpes can be treated using antiviral medication, and ideally, treatment should start when symptoms first appear.
The medication needs to be given within 5 days of symptoms appearing for it to be effective.
However herpes virus cannot be completely cured and eradicated.
Do you offer treatment to prevent recurrences?
Yes, anti-viral treatment is available to suppress recurrence.
We are able to dispense antiviral medication for individuals who experience recurrent herpes.
We advise you book an appointment with one of our doctors or nurses, who can discuss and dispense antiviral medication if suitable.
If you are susceptible to recurrent episodes (six or more episodes in a year), suppressive antiviral treatment can be offered. Medication is designed to prevent the herpes virus from multiplying and can be taken for up to one year. Our medical team will be able to assess you to see if this treatment is suitable.
Our Patients Speak for Us
Clare Elliott
Very easy to book. The nurse was great with my nervous daughter. I would recommend for travel vaccinations.
Daz Smith
Excellent service and support throughout my appointment process. Dr Griffiths was very supportive.
Nay Chadbourne
Have had all my work travel vaccines at FSC and they have always been exemplary. Easy to book appointments, pleasant reception staff (both over email and phone) and appointment times to suit me. Never been kept waiting past my time and quick/easy vaccines done. Highly recommend.
Paul Vella
Excellent service, had a private Covid and Flu vaccination here arrived early and was called in by the nurse almost immediately, very pleasant surroundings and lovely stuff would use again worth £125 to get protected as not eligible for free vaccinations.
Tess Kokkinou
I visit twice a week to see Andrew Doody at Fleet Street clinic for my back, he has a great bedside manner, he listens and understands when you tell him about your pain. The staff at reception are amazing too very friendly.
Grace G
The travel nurse was lovely and very efficient with giving me vaccines. She even took the time to nurse a wound I had whilst I was there. Really great care.
Tara Goulet
The entire staff at Fleet Street were incredibly kind, empathic, and knowledgeable. I appreciated the professionalism and bedside manner, and highly recommend this clinic if you need fast, efficient service, are traveling, and don't have insurance.
Emily Lavis
Brilliant clinic, would 100% recommend. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and the nurse's care couldn't have been better. They managed to fit me in for a same-day appointment and provide me with helpful advice for follow up. Thank you :)
David Butler
Very easy to set up the appointment, warm and professional welcome - very transparent medical advice on a vaccine. They were all fabulous!
Liz N
Excellent service, well organised travel clinic with expert and well trained staff. Highly recommended.
FAQs
Along with Herpes testing, you should also get tests done for –
- Gonorrohea
- HIV
- Syphilis
- HPV
- Chlamydia
If you have a visible blister or sore, or suspect herpes, you should make an appointment with a GP who can diagnose and treat herpes.
The appointment can be made online or by calling us at +44 20 7353 5678.
