I received really high test results for HSV 1 and 2 from my STD panel.

[ConcernedandStressed]

Hi.
Below are my test results for HSV 1 and 2 that I received from my STD test.

HSV 1 IGG, TYPE SPECIFIC AB     57.20
HSV 2 IGG, TYPE SPECIFIC AB.    11.60

Index Interpretation ----- --------------
1.09 Positive

Does this mean that I do have both 1 and 2 or that I don’t have either? I’m confused based on the index interpretation and everything I’m reading online. It’s contradicting. Thank you for your assistance!!

[auntiejessi]

I agree. It looks like you have both, and with the numbers being as high as they are, there is little doubt of false positives.

I'm sorry. What made you test? Do you have any questions about it?

[ConcernedandStressed]

An ex contacted me and told me I should get tested. I honestly feel dirty now that I know I have this. Ugh.

[auntiejessi]

You didn't know you had it two weeks ago - were you dirty then? Why are you dirty now?

"Dirty" has to do with not bathing. It has nothing to do with having infections of any kind, including STDs. I've had hsv2 for 15+ years. I am not "dirty".

That's the stigma talking. You had sex, and got an infection from it. That's all this is. If you got covid from someone you had sex with, or the flu, strep or a cold, would you "feel dirty"?

Infections are just germs that do their biological things and reproduce and transmit. They don't care about where in the body they are, or who you are. You could help little old ladies cross the street after church on Sundays. It's not a moral statement about you.

You should read the Herpes Handbook. It's written by Terri Warren, who is one of the world's leading experts on it. It's free. :)   https://westoverheights.com/herpes/the-updated-herpes-handbook/

It will help answer the technical questions for you, or we can help do that. Getting this news is upsetting, to be sure, but living with herpes is not nearly like you think it is right now, I promise.

[ConcernedandStressed]

Thank you so much for your input. It definitely makes me feel better. And you’re right, it is the stigma talking. I hate the stigma! I have gotten meds to prevent outbreaks and lesson the risk of passing on so I’m taking steps in the right direction, I think. And I’m going to read the Herpes Handbook...thank you for that suggestion!

[auntiejessi]

Let us know if you have any questions. It's what we're here for. :)

[lopezQuartz]

1.09 is considered positive. "index interpretation" is saying that 1.09 is considered positive on this scale. low positive ranges are from 1.09 to 3.5. They both look like well-established infections

[lopezQuartz]

So yes, you have both HSV-1 & HSV-2. At these high values, them being false-positives is very unlikely