I tested positive for hsv1 and hsv2 via PCR swab, is this possible?

[Greentea14]

Hello,

I recently had a 'fissure' or 'crack/tear' in my labia minora.
I had it swabbed (PCR dna) and it came back as me having BOTH genital herpes types - hsv1 and hsv2.
I am devastated and in a bit of denial as my outbreak is minimal...
Is this test 100% accurate? Is it likely to have both present on my genitals at the same time?

Which one would I have contracted first? or did i contract them at the same time? thanks

[Fleetwood20]

The test is sensitive no doubt about it. To use an English analogy, if there was just one copy of the virus in the Thames, the test would probably identify it!

In the end it does not matter. You have genital HSV2. Whether HSV1 is also present does not alter the issue.

[Greentea14]

It does alter the issue in regards to oral sex does it not?

[Fleetwood20]

The only thing I might add is that it is possible for the HSV-1 to be there by 'accident' and not represent an infection given the test is so sensitive and HSV-1 is so common. Some dead DNA from someone's oral infection may be present.

Usually there is a count associated with a PCR result such that the HSV-1 (or potentially HSV-2) is low as to suggest presence rather than infection.

In many ways though, it doesn't matter in the sense that HSV-2 genitally is the issue you have although we promote this as being a non issue. The addition of HSV-1 does not enhance your consideration of a genital herpes infection in any way.

[Greentea14]

Herpes Uk said to me that they have never heard of someone having both present in a single outbreak genitally at the same time - is it not possible the PCR was too sensitive so therefore said I have both but actually I have one?

Also, does this mean I'm going to have outbreaks constantly if I have hsv1 and 2 genitally?

I can't find any info on people who have BOTH?

Thanks for your help

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, yes that would be 100% positive and you could have contracted them at different times, we will never really know this. But as a back up test, have a blood test now and if its negative then its a recent infection.

[Greentea14]

Herpes Uk said to me that they have never heard of someone having both present in a single outbreak genitally at the same time - is it not possible the PCR was too sensitive so therefore said I have both but actually I have one?

Also, does this mean I'm going to have outbreaks constantly if I have hsv1 and 2 genitally?

I can't find any info on people who have BOTH?

Thanks for your help