Could I have herpes?

[scaredofinfection]

I started seeing someone new fairly recently. About five weeks ago, we had a date night. We didn't have intercourse, because I wanted to wait until he was tested for STDs (I knew I was STD-free). But we did kiss, he did go down on me, and there was some skin contact in the genital area. About 2 days later, my throat started to feel a little sore, and a day or so later I had white spots on my tonsils (also I realized all the soreness was all in my tonsils, not in my throat). I went to the docs, strep was negative (though I was on antibiotics for a about 5 days until I found this out.) The white spots faded after about a day and a half, but then reoccurred about a week and a half later. Again, they faded in about a day, but then my tonsils continued to swell, and a week after that I had very swollen tonsils (no white spots this time), a mild fever, fatigue, and nausea. No congestion, stuffy nose, or cough. I felt sick for about 4 days. My doc did a mono test (negative) and another strep (negative) and just diagnosed something viral. My immune system is normally insane, and I have NEVER had anything like this before. My tonsils are still swollen (about a month since everything started) though they aren't as bad as they were.

In the meantime, the bf got tested for STDs and was negative, but I only found out recently that Planned Parenthood didn't actually do a herpes antibody test, just asked him questions about symptoms. Since he didn't, and has never had any, they didn't do any actual test, and he took them at their word, thinking that was all the testing needed. (Needless to say, I was NOT happy with the was PP handled this!)

Now I'm freaked out that my tonsil issues could be indicative of a herpes infection. I have had no outbreaks of sores (never had cold sores either), no discharge, no sore genitals, and neither has the guy I'm seeing. But I know herpes can be asymptomatic. He has agreed to go get a real test done. I have a couple of questions: 1) What are the chances this is a herpes infection? and 2) How long is a reasonable time to pass before an antibody test can be considered reliable?

In the meantime, this is totally freaking me out. I'm having anxiety attacks, and can barely eat or sleep. HELP! :(

[gracefromHHP]

many PP don't offer type specific herpes igg blood testing :(

if you live in the US you can order up your own testing in most states through online resources like healthcheckusa or tstd. you only want to order the herpes igg blood testing, not the igm. I can help with test results too so don't pay extra for that! Make sure it's through a labcorp or quest lab that they contract with.  wait at least 12 weeks after the last time you had other partners.

[scaredofinfection]

Thank you for the information, it eases my worries quite a bit.

One more thing: I want my bf to get herpes tested for real, but it seems like pulling teeth to get a test from Planned Parenthood or a doctor (I'm not sure he has a primary care physician currently) when there are no symptoms. Does a patient have the right to request a test and receive it? And what is the best test he should request, given that he'll be taking it 8-10 weeks after his last possible sexual exposure? Would the antibody rapid test be reliable at this point?

[gracefromHHP]

no, the virus doesn't take 3 weeks to show up.  it typically causes symptoms anywhere from 2-20 days after infection.

grace

[gracefromHHP]

odds are this isn't oral herpes causing your symptoms.  sticking around for a month and only causing the symptoms you've described aren't typical for herpes either.

continue to follow up with an ENT specialist at this point if your regular provider is stumped.

grace

[nicki901]

The herpes virus doesnt usually show up until 3 or more weeks after exposure. Best thing for you to do is to go have another STD check.

[scaredofinfection]

I forgot to mention I had some swollen lymph nodes in my neck too, though not until the third occurrence of the tonsil sickness.