HSV-1 Reading of 6.43 - FREAKED OUT!

[janetwow]

I have been SAFE my entire life, and STD free. I just met this guy and we got really serious, and we got lost in the moment, and had unprotected sex. I completely freaked out since then, and asked him if he has ever had an STD or being tested. He said he is clean - was last tested in 2007 and has had one monogamous relationship since then. Anyway, about 11 days after having unprotected sex, I spent $250 and got those confidential STD panel tests which I did at a lab - I had them test me for HIV, gonorhea, clamydia etc. My results came with a positive for HSV1 and a reading of 6.43. I am TOTALLY freaked out and upset! I have read conflicting things, saying maybe you get it from kissing (even as far back as a baby) etc., so I dont know how BAD it is to have this diagnosis.... also with such a high reading is it possible that I JUST contracted it i.e. from HIM? I feel stupid enough already that I didnt insist he got tested, but I just want to know the implications of such a high reading? and diagnosis? Do I now have herpes for life? Can I get pregnant? Have children? I have no symptoms by the way, and neither does he - i.e. outward symptoms. PLEASE ADVISE ASAP!!

[janetwow]

Ok. Thanks for the info.

[gracefromHHP]

http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_oralherpes.cfm  is a terrific website with more info on hsv1 orally.

You didn't just contract hsv1, odds are you've had it for longer than you have ever suspected. also odds are that you've never been tested for herpes before - have you?  

Also you wasted a lot of money testing for the whole shebang 11 days post encounter. You need to repeat your syphilis, hsv and hiv testing in a few months. Also if the full work up included hepatitis testing, you need to repeat that later on too if you really want to cover your bases.

hsv1 is incredibly common. Not many of us make it thru life without it. Try to calm down a bit, read the link on hsv1 I posted and keep asking questions as you have them.  

grace