Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide (World Health Organization, 2020), yet confusion and stigma still surround it. You may be wondering: How do I know if I have herpes? What are the symptoms? Can it be cured?
At Epicentre, we’re here to clear the confusion — with facts you can trust, support you can count on, and testing options that put your privacy first. Whether you’re worried about a recent exposure or just want peace of mind, we’ve made herpes testing simple, discreet, and available right here in Stellenbosch.
What Is Herpes?
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which comes in two types:
HSV-1: Usually causes cold sores around the mouth.
HSV-2: Usually causes genital herpes, with symptoms like sores, itching, or pain in the genital area.
Both types can appear on the mouth or genitals and can be passed on through vaginal, anal, or oral sex — even when no symptoms are present (World Health Organization, 2024; NHS, 2023).
Herpes Symptoms: What to Look Out For
Many people with herpes don’t have any symptoms at all. But when symptoms do appear, they may include (WHO, 2024):
> Painful blisters or sores around the genitals, anus, or mouth
> Flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, swollen glands) during the first outbreak
> or itching before sores develop
If you’ve had unprotected sex or notice any of these signs, getting tested is the only way to know for sure.
How Herpes Spreads
Herpes spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sex, including contact with genital skin, saliva, or sores — even when the infected person has no visible symptoms (Pratt, 2022).
How Common Is Herpes?
According to the World Health Organization (2024):
Around 3.7 billion people under age 50 have HSV-1
Around 491 million people aged 15–49 are living with HSV-2
Can Herpes Be Cured?
There’s no cure for herpes yet (Virology Research Services, 2024), but antiviral medication can:
Shorten outbreaks
Reduce symptoms
Lower the risk of transmission to others (NCBI, 2025)
Most people with herpes lead normal, healthy lives with proper management.
Why You Should Get Tested
Untreated herpes can cause:
> Recurrent outbreaks
> Increased risk of transmission to others
> Severe complications during pregnancy
> Rare conditions like eye infections, meningitis, or possibly even increased risk of Alzheimer’s (James et al., 2014; CDC, 2023; Itzhaki, 2021)
Knowing your status means you can get treatment, manage your health, and protect your partners.
Herpes Testing in Stellenbosch — Discreet and Easy
Epicentre has partnered with Stelkor Pharmacy in Stellenbosch to bring you our STI Test in a Box — a discreet at-home testing kit that includes herpes screening.
Here’s how it works:
✅ Pick up your test at Stelkor Pharmacy
✅ Collect your sample privately at home
✅ Send it back to the lab using the included instructions
✅ Get your results quickly and confidentially
✅ Chat to our team if you need help or have questions
You can also book a test at one of our walk-in branches in Johannesburg, Hillcrest (Durban), or Cape Town if you prefer in-person care.
Protecting Yourself and Others
While herpes isn’t always preventable, you can reduce your risk by (CDC, 2021):
Using condoms consistently
Avoiding sex during outbreaks
Taking daily antivirals if you or your partner has herpes
Meet The Author
Loryn Smith is a compassionate Research Assistant at Epicentre Health Research with a Master’s degree in Psychology focused on research methodology and community health.
She has a passion for supporting disadvantaged populations and addressing social inequalities. Loryn combines her research expertise with hands-on fieldwork coordination to help improve health outcomes and empower communities.
Bibliography
• https://ifbb.com/events/
• https://champagneproductionsafrica.com/npc-african/?
• https://www.ifbbsa.co.za/images/2024/12/2025%20IFBB%20Event%20Calendar.pdf?
• https://epicentre.org.za/packages/
