1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Genital Herpes Simplex

What are the difference between HSV1 and HSV2?

Posted , 2 users are following.

Z930804
Z930804

So last week I was diagnosed with HSV2 and from what I've been reading, HSV2 is worse compared to HSV1. But I don't get it. What are the difference between these 2 virus? Because the symptopms are all the same and even the sores are the same. 

Can someone please explain it to me so that I have a better understanding with what I have to live with?

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus Z930804

    Posted

    Genital HSV2 typically sheds and recurs more frequently in symptomatic carriers (4-6 recurrences per year vs 0 or 1 recurrences per year for gHSV1) and is a lot more infectious/contagious than gHSV1. It also puts you at increased risk of acquiring HIV if exposed, even without lesions and with medication. Those are the key differences.
    • Z930804
      Z930804 FelizCastus

      Posted

      But how does my doctor know its HSV2 just by seeing the sores? 
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Z930804

      Posted

      Then maybe it isn't. Your doctor needs to swab test the sores asap to confirm which it is, if he/she hasn't already done so. You can't tell by just looking. Were you swabbed?

    • Z930804
      Z930804 FelizCastus

      Posted

      Yes, I was swabbed and had my blood tested. In fact I got my results last saturday. According to the results, my HSV1 is <0.1 while my HSV2 is 0.07. 

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Z930804

      Posted

      The blood test (IgG?) is too soon to show anything. It only proves your HSV2 infection is so new that you've yet to develop detectable antibodies. I'm guessing your swab test must have indicated HSV2, hence why your doctor said that. Do you have those results, too?

    • Z930804
      Z930804 FelizCastus

      Posted

      I haven't received my results for my swab test yet. But I'm gonna get it later today

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Z930804

      Posted

      That's the result that will tell you what you have on your genitals now.

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.