Need to know

I was getting a yearly physical at the time and the nurse asked me, so I said sure why not. Nope, I had no symptoms...not even a fever. No cold sores, rashes, or anything of the sort. The test was by IgG. It's been more than a week since this started, closer to two weeks actually. Other than that no discomfort anywhere else.

If you already had it according to IgG, then you had it for at least a month or longer. Do you know your score?

A primary outbreak would usually be noticeable within a week or two, yet what you're feeling now is presumably some time after the test result, and plus the seroconversion time, puts it too long for a first outbreak and therefore most likely an existing case.

If your skin is rashy or develops bumps, you can get that swabbed for HSV, but better by PCR (much more sensitive and accurate than a viral culture). That can determine location.

I think it was around 3. My doctor said I must have come in contact with it fairly recently, given the other 5 or so negative results. This would make sense, since I began seeing the new girl around 1.5-2 months prior.

Would the primary outbreak be something I missed, as some people can be asymptomatic? Is it possible that she was, and transferred it orally through shedding? I can't think of anything else that would have indicated it. I appreciate your insight into this, as I'm not very knowledgeable about it.

If you have not had an HSV infection before, you are not usually asymptomatic. That tends to happen to those with existing HSV-1 who acquire HSV-2, which can cause the latter to to be mild, near-asymptomatic or asymptomatic, but I'm sure there are always exceptions!

Genital HSV-1 is usually acquired via oral sex, so if you have it genitally, then it is likely from that, whether by a cold sore or asymptomatic shedding.

Thanks for the info. So, what do you mean get tested by PCR? How is that different from the standard STD IgG test? Obviously I'm a bit upset as this is only the second person I've had any physical contact with (kissing or otherwise). I checked this morning and I still don't see any bumps but it is still feels warm in the area. Could it be something else enitrely, like not drying in the area well enough? 

IgG is for testing without lesions. With lesions (or a suspicious skin irregularity), you can do a swab. There are two types. Viral culture and PCR/DNA. The latter is the superior test of the two, but costs a bit more. I'll message you a link with info.

Wait and see what happens to the skin. Honestly, it could be anything or nothing, so try not to worry about it too much for now and sort out your UTI in the meantime (and maybe see about getting a copy of your results for your reference).

Oops, ignore the stuff about a UTI at the end! Mixing your case up with another I'm also responding to at the mo. Sorry!

Thanks so much for the info...I really can't thank you enough for your time. I'll let you know what happens. Also, do you think I can use hydrocortisone for the inflammation and redness in the area?

No prob and happy to help.

I have read mixed info about hydrocortisone and herpes, if that's what is even going on with you right now. If it's not too bothersome, it might be better to just leave it alone and see what happens naturally. Or use lidocaine if it becomes painful or try something natural.

Gotcha...I did end up putting some on after a shower this morning and it feels much better for now. Thanks again for the advice!!

Hi there, not to hijack this thread, but can you send me some info on prc? Having unusual symptoms with irregular skin and heading to the doc tomorrow. Want to know what to ask.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a DNA test. Amplifies and identifies specific viruses, so it is very accurate and sensitive. Can test older lesions, less obvious ones, etc.

Viral culture is based on observing cell changes after exposing susceptible cells to the virus in question to the swabbed sample. It doesn't always work so well, since it depends on various factors and requires an observed change.