Genital Herpes

Overview

In addition to a physical exam, your healthcare provider will take a fluid sample from an open sore to test for the herpes virus. If your blisters have healed or you don’t have blisters, a blood test can check for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies, a marker showing you have the virus in your bloodstream.

The blood test doesn’t show an active infection (especially in the absence of open sores or lesions). But it informs your provider that you’ve been exposed to the herpes virus in the past. If this is your first infection, you likely won’t test positive for herpes because there hasn’t been enough time for your body to develop antibodies.

Your healthcare provider will likely recommend you have a blood test to check for other STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia).

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.