HERPES

Positive for type 1 Herpes and Negative for type 2 Herpes

Dear Dr. Rob:

Hello. Approximately 5 weeks ago I was tested for herpes. The test
results came back with me being positive for type 1 and negative for
type 2 and those results were described to me as "common". Earlier
this week, my girlfriend developed lesions inside her vagina. The docs
examined her and sent cultures to a lab for analysis, as they did seem
to think that the spots looked to be the herpes virus. I did recently
perform oral sex with her prior to noticing that I had the onset of a cold sore.
Could this have been the point of origin? Also, I am getting mixed
answers about blood tests, their accuracy, the amount of time by
which herpes can be detected in the bloodstream, and whether it
can be detected at all if you have never had an outbreak (type 2).
Any info that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

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Dr Rob’s Response:

Dear Poster Who Asks about Oral Sex:

I have received your question and it is quite interesting.

It is clearly possible to transmit Herpes Type 1 performing oral sex.

In terms of your questions about the blood test, if you do the Herpes
Select Test, it is quite specific for 1 or 2 and the usual time between
infection and presence of the antibodies is between 1 and 3 months.
Therefore, if it is shorter than that, you may have to have them repeated.

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