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by Randall B

Screening for Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1)

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually given to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases.
There are no screening guidelines for cold sores.
A simple antibody blood test can show if you have been exposed to the herpes virus in the past. If you test positive, it means you could get a cold sore in the future. However, most people test positive for herpes simplex type 1. Therefore, this test is not very useful for screening purposes.

References

Herpes. American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Doctor.org website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/sexinfections/sti/091.html . Updated October 2009. Accessed August 13, 2012.

Herpes labialis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated March 27, 2011. Accessed August 12, 2012.

Herpes simplex. DermNet NZ website. Available at: http://dermnetnz.org/viral/herpes-simplex.html . Updated June 2008. Accessed August 13, 2012.

Kuehl B. Cold sores: how to prevent and treat them. Skin Care Guide.ca website. Available at: http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/herpes/to%5Fprevent%5Fcold%5Fsores.html . Accessed August 13, 2012.

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1 Genital Herpes condition

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection. It causes small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. These blisters break open and leave an indented sore or ulcer. The bl...

2 Diagnosis of Genital Herpes condition indepth
3 Lifestyle Changes for Genital Herpes condition indepth
4 Conditions InDepth: Genital Herpes condition indepth
5 Medications for Genital Herpes condition indepth
6 Reducing Your Risk of Genital Herpes condition indepth
7 Resource Guide for Genital Herpes condition indepth
8 Screening for Genital Herpes condition indepth
9 Treatment of Genital Herpes condition indepth
10 Talking to Your Doctor About Genital Herpes condition indepth
11 Symptoms of Genital Herpes condition indepth
12 Risk Factors for Genital Herpes condition indepth
13 Cold Sores condition

Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. They are usually found at the border of the lip. Cold sores will go away on their own within two weeks. Medications...

14 Diagnosis of Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1) condition indepth
15 Conditions InDepth: Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1) condition indepth
16 Lifestyle Changes to Manage Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1) condition indepth
17 Medications for Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1) condition indepth
18 Reducing Your Risk of Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1) condition indepth
19 Resource Guide for Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1) condition indepth
20 Risk Factors for Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1) condition indepth