HERPES

Test for IgM and IgG

Dear Dr. Rob:

I’ve been in a monogamous relationship for 2+ years. I recently had a first episode of very painful lesions. A culture determined I had contracted herpes. My doctor said that for those who do suffer the symptoms of herpes will experience them within 7-10 days after infection. Is this true? Is it possible that I’ve had herpes for much longer but have just never had any symptoms until now?
Thanks for your clarification,
BR

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Dr. Rob’s Response:

Dear BR:

Your doctor is correct, according to the textbooks, but it is possible to have contracted the virus a long period ago and not demonstrated lesions during the initial contact, but rather remain dormant for a long period of time.  I cannot state this with certainty.  If you are within a 2-3 month window, a Herpes Select Test, which will give you an index of IgM, as well as IgG, will allow you to determine whether this is a recent or along standing infection.  To clarify, IgG will be up either during a late recent infection or a long term infection.  IgM will only be up during the initial infection. 
 

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