1. Don't know. Maybe a lab error. You can repeat if you want, though it wouldn't change anything.
2. Within a few days, though there is relatively little virus being shed when there is no active sore, making transmission harder though not impossible.
3. Some people get few or no visible recurrences. That's just the way it is, and doesn't imply any immune deficiency, nor does it say anything about the level of virus encountered.
4. If you have the virus, you have it. There is no transitional phase.
5. Valtrex reduces the amount of viral shedding, making transmission harder, though again not impossible.
If I were you, I'd repeat the herpes 2 test, making sure that the test used is type-specific, glycoprotein-based (see www.herpesdiagnosis.com for details.) If the diagnosis is confirmed, you may want to access some herpes counseling in your area, so you don't worry more than you have to.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
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