Would HSV1 antibodies from childhood prevent adult symptoms?

[soconfused2008]

Until just recently, I had no cause to ever be tested for HSV1. However, after being told that estimates of 70-80% of the population has been exposed, I have just had a blood test to determine whether or not I'm amongst the general public.

My question is, could being exposed in childhood, along with having a very strong immune system, prevent me from ever exhibiting symptoms and/or outbreaks in adulthood? I have several family members who do have cold sores, and I'm sorry to admit that I was rather promsicuous in my younger days. Those odds alone tell me that I have likely been exposed although I have never exhibited symptoms. Knowing these things, my physician has already told me to prepare myself for a positive antibody test.

Second, if I do test positive, are the chances that my husband of 12 years will also test positive (he has never exhibited symptoms either).

Any information would be appreciated.


This discussion is related to oral HSV 1 and Genital HSV 1 transmission.

[scared_half_to_death]

70-80% of the population has HSV1. Your chances are the same. Your husbands chances are the same. Most people do not exhibit symptoms. I suppose that you could do some multivariate analysis and determine that your chances are slightly lower because you have not exhibited symptoms. However, it is still more likely that you have it.

[scared_half_to_death]

It really is not possible to determine why you do not have outbreaks if you have HSV1.

[stillHurting]

I'm not sure why the rates of infection with herpes are so consistently reported as being higher on this forum than they have actually been measured in tests.  I see stuff like 1/4 (25%) of people have HSV-2, and the fact is the numbers have just never been reported that high.  21% was the former number which was measured.  If you find a conflicting study, feel free to post it, I'm interested.

The real number, for Americans, from the CDC, says that 57.7% have HSV-1 and 17% have HSV-2.  These numbers are actually slightly down from earlier numbers, which is an interesting trend.  I wonder if that's partially due to anti-viral treatment being much more common?

I do think it is a good idea for you both to know your status though, since if you both have HSV-1, no worries.  If you both are negative, again no worries.  But if one does and one doesn't, you would at least want to consider that when practicing oral sex etc.

In any event good luck and excuse my little rant.

[scared_half_to_death]

I am sure it depends on which study is posted. CDC is probably a very very good choice...so 57.7%. There can be substantial variation based upon age group and some other demographics.

The point is that it is very likely that a person has HSV1.

[auntiejessi]

Actually, its UP TO 80%, because the chance of having hsv1 really increases as you age.  The percentage of people infected with hsv1 at 15, for example, is going to be less than those who are 80.

Here is one source that breaks hsv2 down by age, etc - http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/296/8/964/JOC60113T1

Here is hsv1 - http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/296/8/964/JOC60113T4

The 1 in 4 number comes from a study done a few years back.  Here is an article about that - http://www.gsk.com/press_archive/press2003/press_07282003.htm

Any stat can be manipulated to say what you want to say, and the DCD is an awesome source, but herpes is hard to track, as its not reportable in most places.  That's why we rely heavily on studies.

AJ

[auntiejessi]

Oops I got so carried away finding the links, I forgot to mention that only about 20-40% of those with hsv1 will ever have cold sores.

AJ