1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Genital Herpes Simplex

Possible false positive? If not, how do I manage?

Posted , 2 users are following.

Lesley003
Lesley003

Hi everyone,

I have a few questions. First, I tested positive for Herpes type 1 from a genital culture. I had oral sex with someone about a week before, but he had no cold sores, nor does he now. It didn't show up in my blood test, but I know that can take a few months. However, I got shingles at the same time that my (2) genital blisters appeared, and they both appeared on the left side. Is it possible that the culture tested positive for HSV 1 when it may in fact be herpes zoster? Just asking since they're both herpes viruses, I'm wondering if it may have been a false positive. I've read conflicting things online so I'm a bit confused.

If it is genital HSV 1, how do I live with this? I don't feel like myself, I'm angry and worried about everything and I just feel horrible. Are the outbreaks of genital hsv 1 often? How contagious is it if I don't have any sores? In your experience, how do the men you begin dating respond to this? I feel like I can't handle this at all. If anyone could help put my mind at ease in any way possible, I would really appreciate it.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus Lesley003

    Posted

    A viral culture does not usually give false positives, only false negatives. A PCR swab would be even more accurate. How old are you, if you don't mind me asking? Shingles is more common with older individuals.

    If definitely Type 1, it does not tend to recur or shed too often, with recurrences usually just 0-1 times per year for most people. It is thus a lot less infectious than Type 2 overall, but make sure you wash your hands with soap and water before touching elsewhere to avoid autoinoculation for the first 4 months as a precaution.

    • Lesley003
      Lesley003 FelizCastus

      Posted

      Thanks for all the info, I really appreciate it. I'm 21 years old, and it is uncommon to get shingles at this age, but I did receive a positive blood test and swab for the shingles virus. Luckily there is only one person that I could have contracted genital hsv 1 from, and he agreed to receive a blood test. He has never had any symptoms so he was unaware that he had the virus, but says that if he does have it then he would have contracted it more than 6 months ago. If his blood results come back positive, then I'm 100% sure that I have the virus. Otherwise, I'll see if I can receive a PCR test to be sure. Thank you again, I'm just having a hard time coping with this. I am feeling somewhat better about it, especially knowing that it is uncommon to have multiple outbreaks.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Lesley003

      Posted

      No problem, and HSV-1 is definitely the better one to have of the two, so that's good for you even in a worst case scenario!

      Seems like there's an issue with the link, btw. You may need to copy and paste it instead. Anyway, the Q&A article specifically addresses your question about shingles and viral cultures for HSV, so take a look. Terri Warren is well-known HSV medical practitioner. Let me know if it still doesn't work.

      P.S. I never knew you could get shingles so young!

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus

      Posted

      One more thing. If your clinic can do a PCR swab and you want to know for sure what it is down there, you will need to get that done first, before he gets his antibody test results back, as that may take several days. Depends when he tests and how long it takes to get back the results.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.