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Asymptomatic Genital Herpes

Posted , 4 users are following.

Miss_Take
Miss_Take

Hello, my partner of 2yrs recently informed me that he tested positive for herpes and I subsequently did have a positive test. We both have no symptoms as this was only confirmed by blood test with mine having the higher positive value 1.30. We attended different doctors and he is currently taking valtrex as suppressive therapy since his is mild and my doctor recommended that I only take valtrex if I have an outbreak. I have been looking at alternative supplements as suppressive therapy could anyone share their experiences on the success of any alternative product. Personally I think valtrex is a bit expensive for daily suppressive therapy but I want to ensure that the infection is controlled or suppresses to avoid an outbreak of possible. Please share any thoughts. Thanks.

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus Miss_Take

    Posted

    If you both have the same type, there is no need for medication to reduce transmission, as you are both infected with the same. If you have Type 1, it rarely recurs in the majority of people, so there is no need for recurrence reduction purposes. If you have Type 2, it is often advised to wait and see what your recurrences are like first (frequency, severity) before considering daily suppressive therapy, especially where transmission is not an issue (partner has the same, or not in a relationship). Alternative treatments may alleviate symptoms, but are not true suppressive therapy (do not reduce viral shedding or transmission). Just fyi.
    • Miss_Take
      Miss_Take FelizCastus

      Posted

      Thanks for the information ... Is there any difference in the viral rating based on the results, how can u tell if one is mild as opposed to severe?
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Miss_Take

      Posted

      You can only tell by the recurrences you have (how often, how bad), if you have any, but you could well be negative, as per my other reply just now.
  • Johnna
    Johnna Miss_Take

    Posted

    Speaking of "Higher Positive Value" can someone please let me know what is a "highe" value of herpes? And if the Western Blot Type test reports back value?

    I am waiting anxiously for my WB blood type test results,

    I'm hoping it also reports the value of the herpes. So which numbers are low and what is high? And does high mean severity? As in the frequency of the outbreak? Or how contagious it is?

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Johnna

      Posted

      The western blot apparently only comes back with a positive, negative, or in some cases, an indeterminate. No index values. Tests like HerpeSelect IgG have index values, and so long as you are a high positive, it is unlikely to be false. High numbers supposedly don't tell you anything other than that you are positive and have established a strong immune response to an infection that is at least 4 or more months old. The number apparently has no bearing on frequency or severity, since what contains outbreaks is a lot more than just IgG antibodies (only one component of the immune system, which is very complex), the usefulness of which is debatable with respect to herpes.
  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus Miss_Take

    Posted

    Actually, on reviewing your index value, it is a very low positive and could well be false, especially if it is for HSV-2 and you have existing HSV-1 (oral or otherwise, which may not have symptoms). Same for your partner. Was it for Type 2, by HerpeSelect IgG, and did you also test for Type 1?
    • Miss_Take
      Miss_Take FelizCastus

      Posted

      Yes I did and my Herpes 1 results were even higher coming in at 1.92. I did have cold sores in the past but never had a test or diagnosis for herpes. In the absence of symptoms only the blood test confirmed HSV and their values. At present I have a cold but that is the only herpes related symptom I noticed.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Miss_Take

      Posted

      Hmmm, if your tests were by HerpeSelect IgG, your values are actually quite low for both, but I have only heard of false positives with Type 2 in the presence of existing Type 1, which you have, so that makes me wonder if you really have Type 2, especially since you've never had any genital symptoms. Only way to know for sure is to test by western blot via the University of Washington, but that is costly.
  • sarar101
    sarar101 Miss_Take

    Posted

    Unfortunately, as far as I know there is nothing cheaper.  I found Valtrex too strong for me so I have been taking Vaclovir but they both are same price, very expensive.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus sarar101

      Posted

      Valtrex and valacyclovir (not sure if that's what you meant) are the same drug, just that the latter is generic. Acyclovir is the cheapest generic drug.
    • Miss_Take
      Miss_Take FelizCastus

      Posted

      I tried taking valtrex as suppressive therapy once a day but now I'm beginning to experience mild back pain. What symptoms indicate the beginning of an outbreak and what can be done in terms of treatment.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Miss_Take

      Posted

      Only half of those with genital herpes get warning of a pending outbreak. Usually itching, tingling and/or nerve pain. The other half, like me, have no warning (I *may* get itching, but am still not convinced it's fully correlated). Taking suppressive therapy is already all that you can do, besides living healthy. However, I would seriously go off the meds and re-test after a few months of no meds. At 1.3 with existing Type 1 and a 1.1 cut-off, I doubt you have it.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Miss_Take

      Posted

      Yes, which makes 1.3 a low positive, and those are the ones that can be false with existing Type 1. Doesn't say that on the lab report, but Google it and you'll see. Anything up to 3.5 is possibly suspect in the presence of HSV-1.
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