Genital Herpes: Useful info for those looking for answers like me!

Regarding HSV-1/2 antibody testing after possible exposure, the following should be noted:

2-4 weeks, antibodies *possibly* detected

6-12 weeks, antibodies most likely detected

12-16 weeks (3-4 months), highest accuracy

About false positives/negatives:

Those with prior HSV-1 may produce a low false positive for HSV-2 by IgG testing. In such cases, an individual can re-test after 6 months from exposure, and if no significant change in results, he/she can opt to undertake the more expensive and less readily available HSV-2 Western Blot test. This has a slightly higher accuracy rate than IgG and can determine true infection in the majority of low positives with prior HSV-1.

False negatives by IgG are usually due to testing conducted too soon after infection. Enough antibodies must be present, which is why it is important to note the above window periods for HSV (usually 3-4 months, but up to 6 months for some individuals).

While viral cultures for HSV may produce false negatives, they do not produce false positives. DNA/PCR swabs are far more accurate and conclusive, and can even be done on older lesions, as the test looks for amplified HSV DNA.

If I have HSV-1 and my partner and I have unprotected sex and I give him oral, will I get it on my mouth?

Is it possible to be a carrier never had an outbreak no idea you have hsv 2 and still pass it on to someone? If a person is a carrier and never had an outbreak what tests are available to check if the person is a carrier?

Yes, it is possible to be a carrier without symptoms yet still be able to pass it on. In that scenario, you need to do the IgG (not IgM) antibody test.

Dr. Halford has developed a new ABVIC test that will soon be available for better testing for HSV.  It was recently published in the American Journal of Viriology

If I had to meet someone and he has HSV 1 but i have Hsv 2 can i get HSV 1 if i kiss him and he won t have lesions. And what else should i be aware of. As Hsv 2 attacked me so bad that I am afraid to get anything else as i was tested and I don t have hsv 1.

I had contact with an ex who I had not been with in over 3 years. Immediately after, I began with symptoms, my doctor diagnosed me with Yeast Infection and BV. After several rounds of antibiotics I still feel the same way, at 5 weeks I tested with a positive IgG for HSV 2.16. I was told this was something I've had for years, my last test was 4/2011 negative. I am almost positive I got this from my ex, I've only had one other partner in those 3 yrs in which I've never had any symptoms like this contact. I've been in contact with Virology Department- UW, just trying to get answers. Do you think that the BV could have created antibodies that effected the test? And are you aware of testing too early that will show a low positive but if I retest in 12 to 16 weeks if my level is higher than it could determine if it is new exposure?

Thanks! 

BV has no bearing on the IgG test for herpes. It is certainly possible that this is a new infection from your ex. If so, your IgG index value should be much higher by 12 weeks. If not, then perhaps it is an older infection, though that seems unlikely from what you've said.

I have always had herpes simplex 1 on the mouth I was born with it. I had more cold sores as a kid constantly I haven't have much since as an adult. I think since 20 to 34 I have had 5 break outs. So I am hoping since I already had the herpes virus the gentile herpes won't be that bad on me

I have since confirmed that HSV-2 (after enough antibodies have been established, so in 3-4 months up to 6) does protect against both genital and oral HSV-1. Small consolation!

From what I've read, if you already have hsv1 in the trigeminal ganglion (behind the eye) it is harder for hsv2 to also affect the same ganglion, especially since type 2 likes the sacral ganglion. If you have hsv1 in the sacral ganglion, then it would be harder for type 2 to find a home there. This would benefit the patient as type one obs happen less frequently, and generally are gentler

Type 1 offers limited immunity due to similarities shared with Type 2, but not enough immunity to prevent Type 2 infection, only to help keep it under control, hence the reduced (or masked) symptoms with secondary HSV-2.

Genital herpes type 2 can be passed to the mouth during oral sex?

Yes, it's possible, but luckily not very common and causes next to no issues if contracted orally. Also protects against subsequent genital infection.

Does that means that I cant do oral anymore since I have hvs2 ? Im afraid I will pass it to my boyfriend mouth or somewhere else

Oral should not be high risk, but you still need to avoid outbreaks and prodromes. Meds can help further reduce transmission, but if he already has it or is your giver, then this is all irrelevant, hence why you should talk to your ex, and talk to your bf and have him get tested, etc.

My ex gave me the virus through oral he didn't have any symptoms but was clearly in his system. And me being one of the 1% didn't have the cold sore virus in me in which 98% people carry. I was very unlucky. All for 10 minutes of fun we had I am now scarred for life. It just devastated me.

Actually, I think it's more like 70-80% who carry HSV-1, so you are not quite such an unlucky rarity! Type 1 genitally really isn't that bad for most people, and it recurs and sheds less than oral Type 1. Easier to explain to future partners and for them to accept, too, since you can just say that you carry the cold sore virus.

I was in that percent I never had any hsv1 or 2 in my system so unlucky

Do you mean you get herpes on your eyes? I recently contracted genital herpes from my husband's oral herpes. I used to be a CNA with extra medical knowledge. But I've never heard of getting this in your eyes. How does that happen, the blister juices and rubbing your eyes? Anyone have any help on how to dry out a popped blister? I'm on my 7th breakout in 9months and this one is like the first one with a lot of blisters (large) in a big grouping. I could feel a huge bump 2 days before they came to the surface. Thanks in advance for any help.

Yes, herpes (in particular HSV1) can be transmitted to other body parts, including the eyes (you can Google it). Once you have had herpes at a location for 4+ months, however, you should be immune from getting it elsewhere, but I would still avoid touching a lesion then immediately rubbing your eyes without washing your hands first. No need to tempt fate, right?

That is a lot of recurrences for genital HSV1. Did you ever have the type confirmed by swab? In any case, you may wish to consider daily suppressive therapy if it's that often and depending on how bothersome you find them. If you're not on the oral meds, whether for suppressive or episodic therapy, you can try acyclovir cream to help hasten healing. Zinc oxide helps with drying, as can soaking in an Epsom salt sitz bath (provides relief, too).

TThank you for your response. I haven't been tested yet. My husband used abreva for his cold sores and it helped me a little. Now he switched to oral B min that has numbing in it, that seems to help my dry out quickly. I will definitely give the others a try. Also I will get tested immediately. Can they tell by a blood test or by swabbing only? Maybe I haven't had that many outbreaks, it just seems like it's been that many since it sometimes coinsides with my hubby getting cold sores. Thank you Feliz. It really means a lot to be able to get this much info. Sometimes the Internet is as confusing as life, with as many posts that may be true or not. Like webmd, put in a few symptoms the other day trying to find why I an do fatigued, sleeping all day and can go back to bed to sleep another 18 hrs. Says I may have diabetes. Thanks again and thankful you're still here to give help from a 2yo post. Have a great weekend

I'm surprised it didn't say you have cancer! Isn't that the running joke with those online symptom checker sites, lol? I always get more freaked out when I start googling symptoms online, and those symptom checkers are no different, imo. So many things can cause fatigue, incidentally, even stress, peri/menopause, etc.

But back to herpes, more than happy to help. You can test without lesions, although a swab test on a lesion is the most accurate test if done on a fairly new lesion that hasn't begun to heal (risk of false negative increases). If testing by blood, avoid the IgM test for herpes, as it is notoriously inaccurate and unreliable.

Even the better IgG test is not without its flaws, especially if using the HerpeSelect kit (risk of false positives for HSV2 is a possibility in some cases, for example). Regarding the IgG test, you must also clear the test window period for 'conclusive' results, so 3+ months post known or suspected exposure/infection.

Herpes doesn't pass back and forth or get triggered like that, so that's odd if your outbreaks seem to occur at the same time as your husband's. Do they typically occur before a period? Now, that is a known trigger for some women. Also the friction of sex.

Have a great weekend yourself!