HSV I woman

[hollycat50]

I had an HSV I/II IgG test 2 years ago with a result of 16.4. I had  oral symptoms only once about 10 years ago.  My doctor assured me that I was "fine" and that I had the "good" type.  Only recently have I learned that there is no good type!  I'm assuming that with only an oral outbreak I have HSV I, but now wonder if I need to get tested to determine my type?  I recently met a man with HSV II and wonder if I should even pursue this relationship.  Also, what sort of precautions do I need to take for myself with any partner.  I'm usually so good about educating myself abut my health issues; I can't believe my doctor misled me and that I had my head in the sand!

Thanks!

[hollycat50]

I haven't  even gone out with Mr. HSV II yet, but am just trying to be informed! So what about me with an uninfected partner?

Thanks, I'll check out the site you sent.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help.  By the way, if that's your cat in your profile pic I have one who looks like his/her twin!

thanks!

[gracefromHHP]

I can save you the trip to the specialist :)

you are hsv1+
you are hsv2-

odds are your hsv1 is oral .   http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_oralherpes.cfm  has terrific info on oral herpes for more reading.

your provider needs to stop ordering the herpes igm test - the results of them have little meaning and are pretty much a waste of time and money overall.

talk to your partner about the testing they had for hsv2 when they were tested. Find out if he was ever even tested to know his hsv1 status.  your hsv1 though really isn't an issue overall even if he doesn't have hsv1 himself. Hsv2 seems to protect against hsv1 but not vice versa.

keep asking questions!

[hollycat50]

And now that I understand HSV I better I assume it's something I should inform any partner of? My doctor never thought and still doesn't think that I'm at risk of infecting a partner, but what I've been reading suggests otherwise.  What are the risks/odds/precautions for an uninfected partner? I've read that as time goes on the risks of an outbreak lessen. At my age (50) and the similar ages of any potential partners, are the risks less?

Thanks again!

[hollycat50]

Long story short I now have recent (1/11) test results from a Type Specific test.
HSV I IgG- 3.63, HSV II less than .91.  There are two more separate  - HSV I and  HSV II, IgM Antibodies titer, both less than 1:10, reference interval  less than 1:10. I spoke to my internist on the phone and he said that he'd gotten similar questions from two other people this week and since he didn't consider himself an expert gave me a referral to an infectious disease specialist.  Is that necessary??
I feel a little better with HSV I, should I?
Thanks!  

[gracefromHHP]

suppressive therapy only and no condoms would put your risk at 4-5%/year of contracting hsv2 from your partner.

you can contract hsv2 orally but the risk of such is overall low. His being on daily suppressive therapy would lower the risk as well as you can have protected oral sex to reduce your risk even more.

correct, daily suppressive therapy is once daily valtrex and it kicks in within 5 days of his starting it if he started it when no symptoms were present.

[hollycat50]

Okay...more questions! How about oral sex? And the risks with daily suppressive therapy and no condoms?  The therapy is an antiviral?  Is it effective immediately or does it need time to be effective?

Thanks!

[hollycat50]

I hadn't even noticed the icons; I'm a 50 yr old woman. I realized after reading some of your advice to others that I need to get the type specific igg test for more definitive answers, but any info/advice you can offer at this point would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!
Holly

[gracefromHHP]

your hsv test was a combined test which was pretty much a waste of time and money. You know absolutely nothing about your herpes status from the testing you had done :(

you certainly need type specific herpes igg blood testing to see what your hsv1 and hsv2 status is. you and your partner can't make educated decisions about what precautions to take until you know who has what.

are you male or female? will gladly provide you with some basic info on your risks with a hsv2 partner once I know your gender. I never trust the gender icons here since most folks don't pay much attention to which one they pick.

grace