HSV-1 Question

[confused2121]

I  found out that I have HSV-1 antibodies via a blood test. (negative for HSV-2) I have never had a cold sore that I can remember. I haven't had an oral sex encounter or even kissing encounter with a stranger in over 4 years.
I am wondering a few things:
How certain can I be that this is oral HSV-1 versus genital?  I was asked by my doctors why I even had the test done in the first place, in the absence of symptoms. I can only reply that I wanted to know, but now that I know, I can't stop thinking about it. I haven't had any 'classic' genital symptoms either, but I am now constantly on the alert and every time I have an itch or ingrown hair in the genital area, I am worried that I might be having a genital outbreak. The same applies for my face-every time I see a small pimple or blemish, I immediately wonder whether it is a cold sore.

I am now taking Valtrex 500 mg a day for suppression. I know there are not a lot of statistics on the reduction of asymptomatic transmission, but do you think it would have at least some effect? I have read at least two studies about Valtrex 500 mg reducing the risk of transmission of Herpes Gladiatorum in high school wrestlers, and since Herpes Gladiatorum is a form of HSV-1, I would assume that 500 mg of Valtrex would work for suppressing oral outbreaks and transmission as well.

I am interested to know your thoughts.
Thanks very much.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I would say that although we don't have specific studies about transmission of HSV 1 while on suppression, we do have research that indicates that the medicines work almost as well on HSV 1 as they do on HSV 2.  We also have research that daily therapy reduces the frequency of cold sores.  So I think we can safely say that suppression would also reduce the shedding of HSV 1, regardless of its location.  

As for worrying about this all the time - the rate of HSV 1 infection in this country is high, the chances that you would encounter another person with HSV 1 is also high.  

You can't know the location of your infection by an antibody test, that's correct.  I think if you can turn down the volume on your worrying, it would be a good thing.  And if you have a distinctive symptoms of a blister that burst and makes and ulcer then a crust, go have someone swab test it for herpes.  Until then try to relax about this and recognize you are in the same boat as many many people in the US who have this bothersome yet no dangerous (in most cases) viral infection.

Terri

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You're welcome.

Terri

[confused2121]

Thank you. I am glad to know that there is some research confirming the efficacy of Valtrex on HSV-1. That is really what I wanted to know.
I have never had what can be described as a "classic" symptom, but I have had cultures done on suspicious looking areas, and all have been shown negative, so I guess I should accept the result and really stop worrying. (turns out they were infected hair follicles) Again, I appreciate your help