Notice symptoms such as blisters, sores, itching, burning, pain, or tingling around the mouth or genitals
Check whether sores appear in clusters and then break open, crust, or heal over time
Consider whether symptoms come and go, since herpes can recur
Get tested if you have had unprotected sex, a new partner, or a partner with herpes
See a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you have active sores, since testing is most accurate then
Ask for a swab test of any visible sore or blister
Ask for a blood test if you do not have sores but think you may have been exposed
Avoid self-diagnosing, since herpes can look like other skin conditions or infections
Do not have sex until you know your status and any sores have healed
Follow up with a healthcare professional if test results are unclear or symptoms continue