Herpes Simplex Infections

How is the infection diagnosed?

A doctor can take a swab of the infected secretions from the mouth, nose, or genital sores. Then he or she sends it to a lab where techs test it for HSV. This is called a culture, and HSV can be detected rapidly in infected specimens by using special stains. The doctor will also evaluate the person's symptoms and ask about recent exposure to someone who has or had a herpes simplex infection.