Aa
HSV2 - accuracy? Possible false positive?
I was recently tested for Herpes using Herpeselect. (not sure if it was immunoblot or ELISA)
It was a IgG test. HSV1 <0.9 NEG, HSV2 1.12 POS (with 1.10 being positive)
I'm unsure about this b/c I've never had symptoms apart form my lip freaking out after hearing the news (think it was psychosomatic) that was even swabbed and showed up negative for both viruses in the culture test.
Embarassingly I've asked the few women I was with wether they have herpes - they don't and now of course I'm treated like a leper. So the only thing I can think of is some random kiss. Which I know is highly unlikely.
a) Should I get a retest? if so which one? Trying to get a Western Blot test but my doctor isn't being too cooperative with that.
b) My doctor kept saying that it just means I've been 'exposed' to the virus. And that I don't even necessarily have it - but I've read other wise that with HSV2 that I am definitely infected. Who do I believe?
c) I also asked my doctor if I now have to tell anyone that I'm intimate with that I tested positive for HSV2 despite no outbreaks and negative culture test. (let alone knowing where I got it from) - She said "I wouldn't"
An ex told me this was 'unethical' - perhaps it is
I am obstaining from any sexual contact - even kissing.
and scared to death.
Your advice is greatly appreciated :)
It was a IgG test. HSV1 <0.9 NEG, HSV2 1.12 POS (with 1.10 being positive)
I'm unsure about this b/c I've never had symptoms apart form my lip freaking out after hearing the news (think it was psychosomatic) that was even swabbed and showed up negative for both viruses in the culture test.
Embarassingly I've asked the few women I was with wether they have herpes - they don't and now of course I'm treated like a leper. So the only thing I can think of is some random kiss. Which I know is highly unlikely.
a) Should I get a retest? if so which one? Trying to get a Western Blot test but my doctor isn't being too cooperative with that.
b) My doctor kept saying that it just means I've been 'exposed' to the virus. And that I don't even necessarily have it - but I've read other wise that with HSV2 that I am definitely infected. Who do I believe?
c) I also asked my doctor if I now have to tell anyone that I'm intimate with that I tested positive for HSV2 despite no outbreaks and negative culture test. (let alone knowing where I got it from) - She said "I wouldn't"
An ex told me this was 'unethical' - perhaps it is
I am obstaining from any sexual contact - even kissing.
and scared to death.
Your advice is greatly appreciated :)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hmmm. Your doctor and I are definitely not on the same page about herpes.
Your very low positive value needs to be confirmed one way or the other with a western blot. If you can't get your doctor to order it, you can become a patient of the clinic and we will order it for you. You just need to call and set up an appointment. About 85% of people who have a value in that range do NOT confirm. If you are truly HSV 2 positive, then that means you are both infected and infectious to others, and you MUST disclose, both from a legal positive and an ethical one (google herpes lawsuits). The transmission rate from infected males to uninfected females in a year is about 10%, you can reduce that in half with daily medicine.
Terri
Your very low positive value needs to be confirmed one way or the other with a western blot. If you can't get your doctor to order it, you can become a patient of the clinic and we will order it for you. You just need to call and set up an appointment. About 85% of people who have a value in that range do NOT confirm. If you are truly HSV 2 positive, then that means you are both infected and infectious to others, and you MUST disclose, both from a legal positive and an ethical one (google herpes lawsuits). The transmission rate from infected males to uninfected females in a year is about 10%, you can reduce that in half with daily medicine.
Terri
some more info.
My test says it was 'verified by repeat analysis.' but only gives one result and number.
I also wanted to know if the number has any correlation with how spreadable the disease is and/or how recently infected.
thanks
My test says it was 'verified by repeat analysis.' but only gives one result and number.
I also wanted to know if the number has any correlation with how spreadable the disease is and/or how recently infected.
thanks
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
