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Concerned and Confused HSV2 Results
Hi.
Naturally, after receiving results that I was positive for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, I'm throughly freaked out. Yet at the same time I'm having some doubts and just wondering if anyone can help with confirming or denying my suspicions. Or really any advice as to what I should do next.
So Here's my situation: The Physician's Assistant told me that I tested positive, but it was so low (1.19 Is what I believe she said) that I'm "barely positive" and it means I was "exposed" but not necessarily ever going to show symptoms. Now I've been doing some research and from what I understand 1.1 is the level in which medical professionals are required to tell you your positive. However, through some of these forums I've read that " the lower the levels, the more likely the result is false" and at such low levels there's only a 30-40% chance I actually have HSV2. Also, on another website I was researching, someone asked "Of those of you who tested low positive for HSV2 and sought out confirmatory tests, what were your results?"
Now only %14 turned out to be positive and %42 of those who sought a second opinion, turned out to be negative i.e. not infected. I took statistics, but I'm still unsure of whether that is a good enough percentage to feel assured I don't have it.
Moreover, I read that there are studies which state that those who also tested positive for HSV1, had more of a likelihood of the HSV2 test being false. So I don't know if this is irrational speculation, but I tested negative for HSV1, so does that mean I have MORE of a chance of my HSV2 results being true?
And the fact that I even tested with a 1.19 inclines me to conclude I have it definitely, correct? As in even though it's really low and maybe not active, I can still spread it? Because I DO have it??
Obviously I'm very lost on the subject and not very knowledgeable as to the how the virus functions, so PLEASE any and all feedback is welcomed!! What does this alllllll MEANNN?!
Naturally, after receiving results that I was positive for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, I'm throughly freaked out. Yet at the same time I'm having some doubts and just wondering if anyone can help with confirming or denying my suspicions. Or really any advice as to what I should do next.
So Here's my situation: The Physician's Assistant told me that I tested positive, but it was so low (1.19 Is what I believe she said) that I'm "barely positive" and it means I was "exposed" but not necessarily ever going to show symptoms. Now I've been doing some research and from what I understand 1.1 is the level in which medical professionals are required to tell you your positive. However, through some of these forums I've read that " the lower the levels, the more likely the result is false" and at such low levels there's only a 30-40% chance I actually have HSV2. Also, on another website I was researching, someone asked "Of those of you who tested low positive for HSV2 and sought out confirmatory tests, what were your results?"
Now only %14 turned out to be positive and %42 of those who sought a second opinion, turned out to be negative i.e. not infected. I took statistics, but I'm still unsure of whether that is a good enough percentage to feel assured I don't have it.
Moreover, I read that there are studies which state that those who also tested positive for HSV1, had more of a likelihood of the HSV2 test being false. So I don't know if this is irrational speculation, but I tested negative for HSV1, so does that mean I have MORE of a chance of my HSV2 results being true?
And the fact that I even tested with a 1.19 inclines me to conclude I have it definitely, correct? As in even though it's really low and maybe not active, I can still spread it? Because I DO have it??
Obviously I'm very lost on the subject and not very knowledgeable as to the how the virus functions, so PLEASE any and all feedback is welcomed!! What does this alllllll MEANNN?!
Best Answer
Hi, if you did your test 2 or 3 months post exposure bottom line is you need retesting for confirmation as falls into the false positive range. If you tested eariler it is a sign of a recent infection and testing at the 3 months mark would be required to confirm.
I actually found out thanks to another user, TimeinBoston that I can order the WB from Westover Heights Clinic in Portland, OR. They order the test through my local Quest Diagnostics for me and I get the results back from them in 2 to 3 weeks. I have become very anxious so I rather know conclusively, now.So I went ahead and made an appt for a phone consultation, which is $50 basically and then they'll order the test for me.
However, I am curious, if it does come back negative and I don't have herpes, does that mean I will always show up low positive on other commercial tests?
However, I am curious, if it does come back negative and I don't have herpes, does that mean I will always show up low positive on other commercial tests?
Starting with another Herpeselect IgG test for HSV2 now would be useful. The result may well be conclusive. Commercial testing is very accurate for HSV2. If it is low positive again, well nothing lost and you should proceed to seek a WB then.
Lastly, should I even bother with this second IGG test or go straight through the trouble of doing a WB?
Plus, how accurate are tests that are done through the CDC? That's where PP sends their tests.... I don't believe just because it's through a government agency it's more accurate. And how knowledgeable are most lab techs? This one was making me feel doomed. She was like "if it came back positive the first time, it's not gonna change and be negative. " & I was like, "Welll..... they're a lot of false positives. " she said "This is true. " but then proceeded to keep saying what she said before, but through my research most commercial testing is inaccurate and only the WB is definitive. There's people who have had a positive IGg, but negative WB, SO.... I'm a little confused :/
So It's been about 16 weeks or more since I got my low positive test results for HSV2 and I was told by one of the staff at my local planned parenthood (of greater Orlando) months ago that they carry The Western Blot, which they don't. Well not for HSV2, but only HIV. Obviously it's the gold standard, but I can't find anyone to order it through and to do it myself is SUCH an arduous process that I would like to avoid. Anyway, what is everyone's opinion of just getting another IGg test done through PP? And then if I get another low positive do the Western Blot?
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
