HSV2 antibody question and Intimacy Question.

[MsSmile2009]

Hello
I am 41.  I was just diagnosed positive for herpes antibodies.  I had the Herpes Select HSV2 IGG test.  My result was >5.00.  I've never had any symptoms that indicated this, so as you know I was taken by surprise.  Now I'm just trying to get an understanding.  So I have a few questions

1.  Are the results higher upon initial exposure?  
2.  Is there ever a possiblity that something else could create these antibodies?  Any other type of herpes exposer (cold sores, exposure to shingles, or your mother possibly having this during your birth)
3.  Does this mean that vaginal intercourse and oral sex performed on me by my boyfriend is out of the question and never possible again.  If not, other than condoms, what can be done?

Any help you can provide is definitely appreciated.

[MsSmile2009]

So is >5 considered as an extremely high result which means I've had it for quite some time?  I hadn't been intimate in almost 2 years until my recent boyfriend who we did not become intimate until October?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

If you've been with this partner since October, your results indicate that you could have been infected by this partner or someone previous to him.  I would recommend that your partner be tested.  If your partner is negative for HSV 2, you didn't get the virus from him.  It isn't considered extremely high - it just indicates that you are definitely infected.

Terri

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

No, the results are lower with new infection.  This test is specifically for herpes, so I believe that it is correct with a value of >5.  HSV 2 is not the cause of recurrent cold sores.  Mothers who are infected with HSV 2 can pass antibody to their babies but babies clear the antibody within about 6 months.  It is possible for you to transmit this virus to your boyfriend, yes.  I would strongly suggest that your boyfriend get tested to see if he might be infected and not know it.  If he is negative, you can take daily antiviral therapy and use condoms to greatly reduce the risk of transmission to him.  I would encourage you to read the Herpes Handbook at www.westoverheights.com and watch the patient counseling video at the same site.  Both are free.

Terri