Abnormally high test result for hsv2

[pathlesstraveled]

I recently tested positive for HSV2 with a reading of 10.30. Way above high levels. I have no symptoms and have never had any symptoms for any STD. Everything else tested negative.

As expected I'm freaking out. Is a reading this high an indication I contracted it in the past few months? I'm booked with my GP for a visit to go over whether I need to get retested.

[auntiejessi]

No, actually a higher number usually means that you've had it for longer, but a few things - was this on an IgG test? When was your last possible exposure? Why did you test?

Your GP will tell you that you have it, and you might - it's a good possibility, a really good one. Technically, anything over a 3.5 is a true positive and doesn't need to be confirmed.

Terri Warren, a herpes expert who works with people to get confirmatory Western Blot tests done, has seen false positives into the teens. It's far less common to have a false positive when your numbers are higher, of course, but without symptoms, it's reasonable to want to confirm it.

Your doctor can order a Western Blot test, but please prepare yourself that they won't. A lot of docs don't even know about it. You can also go through Terri Warren to get one, but you'll have to self-pay. It's expensive.

https://westoverheights.com/getting-a-herpes-western-blot/

I don't want to get your hopes up. Chances are good that you have hsv2. Many people have it and never get symptoms. Do you also have hsv1?

If you do have it, life as you know it is not over. It will be a little bit altered, maybe, but you'll be okay, I promise.

You can read more about herpes and testing in the Herpes Handbook - https://westoverheights.com/herpes/the-updated-herpes-handbook/ It's free and written by Terri Warren. You can read it on any device. Let me know what questions you have.

[pathlesstraveled]

Yes, it was an IgG test. the HSV1 test came back negative. Last exposure was a couple months ago. It's been a while since my last STD screening and I just figured it would be good to get a new round just for peace of mind. My last screening came up negative across the board. That was about 5 years ago.

I've had a number of different partners over the years, some long term, and we didn't use protection at the time as I thought I was all clear. And no one has ever turned up positive as far as I know.

With a reading that high is it normal to be asymptomatic? And thanks for the info and resource.

[auntiejessi]

The number doesn't indicate anything about symptoms. You could test into the 30s and still be asymptomatic. The IgG test looks for antibodies, not virus, and the only thing it indicates is if you have the antibodies. If you have antibodies, you have the virus (provided the test is accurate, and it isn't always).

I've had hsv2 for almost 20 years. I get frequent outbreaks when not on antivirals. My index value could be much higher or lower than yours, and it would mean nothing.

Sometimes, when you first test after a new exposure, they can determine if it's a new exposure if the number is low and then rises as antibodies develop, and much higher numbers usually mean you've had it for awhile (which usually means several months or longer), but it's impossible to pinpoint an exact time.

I've seen true positives with symptoms with really low numbers, and true positives with no symptoms with really high numbers. Some get frequent outbreaks, others get rare outbreaks.

I know it's a lot to take in. Take your time and read, and we're here for whatever questions you have.

[pathlesstraveled]

Thanks so much, I appreciate your help.

[auntiejessi]

You're welcome. :)