The reason they think it's recent is because they gave you an igm test. Igm antibodies are the first on the scene. Except no std experts advise igm testing for the reasons i gave above. Useless test.
Most cases of genital hsv1 do cause a harsh outbreak. This is due to no other herpes being present in the body. Here's an example. A person has hsv1 orally. Then contracts hsv2 on the genitals. Due to having hsv1 the body is better equipped to deal with the virus. I would wait until at least 8 weeks and get a type specific igg test. Meaning it tests hsv1 and hsv2 separately. The test they gave you was certainly an igm test which should never be given. They are unreliable and false positives are extremely common. Most Dr's are clueless about hsv and testing. Even the CDC is against igm testing in adults.
Also sorry to add on but I'm almsost 20 days without blisters. Most people say when they have genital hsv1 they usually cause severe outbreaks that you can't really miss. I'm really confused by all this.and I want to say I am extremely thankful for you helping out.
United States. Could this be a false positive then?
Nothing you describe sounds hsv related. The test you got was absolutely worthless. What country are you in?