Herpes virus

[chickenlegs]

Does a blood test result:
         Results                           Expected
HSV-1 ab, IgG  Positive         See *1     Negative
HSV-2 ab, IgG  Positive                    Negative
  HSV ab, IgM  Negative                    Negative

Does this mean that I have genital herpes? The doctor just told me that at some point I have been exposed to herpes? Do I need to have a second blood test?

Thank you,

[gracefromHHP]

You need to repeat your blood test with a different one to confirm your hsv2 status.  Most adults will test + for hsv1 so no surprise there even if you can't recall any cold sores ever but since the test you had done doesn't report with numeric results so that we can see if you really need additional testing or not, I recommend repeating it with a different test.

grace

[MrShaky]

Did the results have a number? Like igg > 5?

igg blood tests are very accurate.

If you do have herpes it does not mean you will ever have an outbreak. The igg test tells you that your body has developed anti bodies to the virus. Some people have breakouts others don't. It all depends on how your body handles the situation.

Myself and my wife have had it for at least 10 years and never even knew. I found out looking for something else in a recent blood test.

If you are positive don't let it get you down as it is something that you can live a normal life with.