question about symtoms

[AXJM14]

Hello, 10 days after having unprotected sex, I became extremely fatigued with fever for 4 days. Exactly three weeks after the exposure, I had milky white/yellow discharge that was very painful. I tested negative for chl/gon. Then, my igm test came back low positive with a 1.3 at three and half weeks. This is my question: I know many people that contract herpes don't have symptoms, however, if they do have symptoms like fatigue and fever and discharge, are those symptoms going to come along with the usual redness, soreness, bumps ect that I did not experience? And secondly, you ask people often if they have ever had a cold sore when evaluating the Igm positive. I am positive as to HSV-1 (was tested way back for that), but have NEVER had a cold sore. So, could the asyptomatic HSV-1 cause the 1.3 positive on the igm, AND, would I experience these symptoms without ANY bumps or soreness around the genital region? and lastly, does discharge one time at 3 weeks seem too late for herpes symptoms?
FYI- I have been treated for NGU and have not had symtoms since then.....i just do not want to asymptomatically pass on herpes and am really concerned because I have NEVER had a cold sore from my HSV-1

Thank you

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm so glad you found the site helpful.  Yes, it is easy to get swept away with the worry about an STD that is completely separate from the actual risk.

Terri

[AXJM14]

Thank you very much. Today I recieved negative results for HSV-2. It has been 7 1/2 weeks since exposure. I appreciate your patience, as you know, it is very easy to become mentally obsessed with STD's...all I can say is that this site REALLY helped me out a lot through this, I will get tested again at 4 months to make sure.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

If you're asking if having discharge from the urethra at 3 weeks is a sign of new herpes infection, by itself, I would say say that's very unlikely.  Herpes can show up as an anal rash, but with first infection, it usually shows up on the genitals as well.  Hope that's helpful.

Terri

[AXJM14]

Sorry, I guess thought maybe you could answer the unanswered question about discharge at 3 weeks, in terms of incubation period, being too long for herpes, and just if anal rash is indicative of first episode outbreak. But if not, then ok. Thanks.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm sorry, but I have no more information to give you.  you might consider asking Dr. Handsfield at the STD board, but I just have nothing to add for you other than what we have discussed already.

Terri

[AXJM14]

I am so sorry to post another, it is just that I dont feel like I got much information and have spent a lot of money with testing and posting. The confusing thing I read is that anal itch and rash/blister is very common with herpes, but would this be for a first infection with nothing around the genital area? I am so sorry again to post, but I am losing so much money from testing and just would love a little clarification. I feel feverish again and have had dry skin and a little bump on the hair follicle on the scrotum that is inflamed. This is now 7 1/2 weeks after exposure....I know I should repost, this is the last question I expect any answer for, I just have to wait so long for a test and cannot function because of this. thank you for any information at all.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

We don't order IgM tests for herpes ever, I just can't say.

Terri

This is the last post in this thread

[AXJM14]

Thanks. I know the thread is going to end, my last question, if I may, for my peace of mind if nothing else, if how often you see a low positive IgM, and then subsequently the patient tests negative for IGG at 4 months? Thank you in advance for your patience.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

In my experience, it would be very rare, with first episode infection , to have just discharge but no lesions.  I've never seen it.
Terri

[AXJM14]

Thanks for your response. Do you mind answering the question about discharge at three weeks? I am just concerned with this because I was told that painful discharge is associated with herpes, but again, I am wondering if it is common to have this symptom, along with fever and fatigue WITHOUT any redness, soreness or lesions in the genital area. Thanks.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I think you need clarification of your HSV 1 results.  You say that you tested positive for HSV 1 in the past.  Are you able to get the actual results of your previous test?  It would be good have a look at that.  The IgM test cannot accurately distinguish between HSV 1 and HSV 2, so if you truly are positive for HSV 1, then this could account for your positive IgM result.  This crossreactivity is one reason we advise that IgM testing NEVER be done to diagnose herpes.  

We recommend that people wait about 4 months from last contact to testing for accuracy on the HSV 2 test.

Terri

[Verysaddude]

Yes, you posted this in the correct area...Teri will respond to you at some point.

[AXJM14]

did I post this in the correct forum where a health care professional will comment?

[AXJM14]

Also, i am now beggining a sexual relationship, but it is too early to test for HSV-2 (it has only been about 7 weeks since exposure). I just cannot get over my positive IgM because I have never had an outbreak of HSV-1, which seems in your discussions to be an important element to conisder when disregarding the Igm. thanks.