Just tested positive for Herpes

[SJ101]

My lab results just came. Tested positive for hsv 1 and 2 IGG (25.20). IGM is negative.

Can anyone please tell what does it mean for me and my life now? I feel lost. :(

[SJ101]

Ok ok I see your point. Please bear with me and take just 1 or 2 more questions please. 1. Herpes is usually transmitted only when there are open or obvious sores? I mean suppose I have perfectly healthy clean lips then my kiss is not risky for my kids? Like on cheeks?
2. Is chickenpox related to Hsv? I mean if I had chickenpox as a child then would my hsv test be necessarily positive?

[Life360_Dave]

SJ, listen to me. You need to take the test again but with a type specific to rule out hsv2. Hsv2 is the more difficult one in ways of having sex with your wife. Hsv1 oral is no big deal as millions of people have it and all you need to do is avoid kissing (rubbing romantic kissig) when you have an active lip cold sore also avoid oral sex when you have an active lip sore. Hsv1 is no big deal.

[SJ101]

My positive value is very high 25.20 isn't it? But the report doesn't say if it's HSV 1 or 2. Is HSV 1 somewhat more preferable than HSV2? Is hsv2 bad as in life threatening? And please tell me how should I behave around my kids now. Kissing is off the table I guess for life! Can I hug them?

[Life360_Dave]

Very often when a person has hsv1 oral, which upward of 65% of the adult population has from childhood, it cross  reacts and shows a low positive for hsv2 which is almost always a false positive and i would bet this is the case with you.

[SJ101]

I have a wife and 2 kids. Does it mean I can't kiss them ever?

[SJ101]

It was a combination test. Why is it important to know the specivic type of hsv? Is one type dangerous than the other? Is either of them life threatening?