Herpes Glossary

Words that you need to know when discussing genital herpes and their definitions are found below.

Accuracy: Used in reference to testing for virus. If a test is sensitive and determines the specific virus, it is described as “accurate”.

Antiviral drugs: of medication used specifically for treating viral infections.

Asymptomatic Shedding: Asymptomatic Shedding is the release of the virus on the skin when there are no symptoms. These asymptomatic shedding episodes occur (according to studies) typically 3 to 10 days in the year.

Culture: Herpes culture. A sample of fluid is collected from an open sore

False negative: This refers to negative test results in individuals who are in fact positive for the virus.

False positive: This refers to positive test results in individuals who are not infected with the virus.

Outbreak: Refers to recurrence of physical signs of herpes. The period when the virus is most contagious.

Prodrome/Prodromal symptoms: tingling or itching at the site of outbreak

Sensitivity: Refers to a test’s ability to detect antibodies. A test described as not sensitive, is one in which it is unable to detect antibodies, and therefore yields results that are false negative.

Seroconversion: The body’s process for producing antibodies to an infection. The rate of seroconversion varies for individuals. If a person has an infection but seroconversion has not occurred, the serology test result will be negative — even though the person is infected. Seroconversion rate for herpes is usually about four months.

Specificity: Refers to a test that does not falsely detect antibodies in an uninfected individual. The test will yield false positive results if it is not specific.

Suppressive Therapy: Often reccommended for frequent outbreaks, taking a daily dose of antiviral medication.

Trigger: Factors believed to cause herpes to become active and cause an outbreak. No triggers have been scientifically proven.

Type-specific serology: Refers to a blood test that can make a distinction between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies.