confused

[cat542]

I just received results from an HSV IGG titer stating a high level of 5.3  
I've never had ANY symptoms or lesions, let alone cold sores that I can remember.
Can someone help me understand?


This discussion is related to interpreting herpes IgG.

[webcrawler]

With a score that high, a false positive is very unlikely.

Most people with HSV do not know that they have it. Your situation is not unusual. Many  people have not had memorable symptoms if any at all, e.g. most people with HSV2 are unaware that they are infected

[Emma_08]

I agree, false positive in this situation is unlikely.  See a herpes-knowlegeable provider to discuss what you should do next.  Also, was this score for HSV-1 or HSV-2?
Em

[cat542]

I was tested for HSV-2, I just confirmed that with the Dr office.  The nurse said I may never have any breakouts or lesions, it just means I was exposed at some point, most likely not recently.

[webcrawler]

If you had an IgG test and scored a 5.3, then it means you have HSV2. You were not just exposed. You were infected and developed antibodies which showed up on the test. That infection is life-long. You should read the herpes handbook at westoverheights to get a good perspective.

Herpes is not necessarily a big deal, but you should learn about it. You already had it and didn't know it, so how big of a deal could it be? The most important things to learn about are how to reduce the chances of transmission and how to handle pregnancy of yourself or significant other.

It is highly likely, i.e. > 90% that it is an infection in the genital area based upon statistics. Whether you have had lesions or not, you are still contagious periodically. Therefore, you must notify current and future partners.

[cat542]

Thanks.  Where can I get this handbook?  Any bookstore?

[auntiejessi]

Nope, its available for free at www.westoverheights.com.  You can read it online, or download it to your computer.

Aj

[cat542]

Thanks so much for your help!!

[webcrawler]

It sounds like you have a good perspective on it. Just try not to get too worried.

[cat542]

Thanks.  I'm going through a divorce and all of this information is a lot to swallow but I'm trying not to get overwhelmed.  My spouse's first wife told me he had given this to her, but of course I didn't believe her all those years ago, thinking she was being spiteful.  What hurts is that he put me at risk as well as our child without giving me the knowledge first hand.  Thanks again!!!

[webcrawler]

It sounds like you have a lot going on. This definitely not something that you should worry about. Focus on getting everything else together first.

The handbook with tell you what you need to know about transmission, etc. If you like there are also several web support groups like the "original herpes home page". Just google it and look for the forums.