HSV2 positive but HSV1 negative

[bluerose1965]

What is the percentage of people positive for HSV2 and negative for HSV1? That doesn't sound right. How many people who test positive for HSV2 do not also have HSV1?

I have been looking online but haven't found the answer. Is it unusual to have HSV2 but not have HSV1 and if so, how unusual?

[HowardH]

I gave you "actual statistics" from scientific studies. The people who post questions on forums like this are not representative of the general population. The main reason so many forum users are positive for both HSV1 and HSV2 is that this is exactly the group for which interpreting HSV2 blood test results is most difficult and it generates lots of questions that people attempt to resolve on the forum. So it's a highly biased group -- most people with clear and unequivocal test results (e.g. positive for HSV2 only) don't need to ask questions about it.

So I stand by my previous reply.

[bluerose1965]

Actually, it doesn't mean that at all. You are making assumptions. I am interested in actual statistics which I have not been able to find.

I would even be interested in knowing how many people on forums who have HSV2 but do not have HSV1. I have only run into one person. Everyone else I know who has HSV2 also has HSV1.

[HowardH]

It's not unusual at all. Up to half the population has HSV1, often acquired in childhood. But that means that at least half of those who catch HSV2 do not have prior HSV1.

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, do have a concern that you have herpes? Upward of 65% of the US adult population would test positive for hsv1 as was acquired at childhood. About 25% or so have genital hsv2