Hi,

I was dating someone who tested positive for HsV-2 (his HSV-2 result is 2.79, which I understand to likely be a true positive although he is seeking out a western blot to confirm. His HSV-1 result is 13).  We have only engaged in deep kissing and mutual masturbation with no switching of hands between us. We have not had oral or penetrative sec of any kind. I’m afraid after reading about oral HSV-2 that I may have gotten it through kissing. 

Do I need to get tested in 6 weeks? What is the likelihood That I have oral HSV-2?

Could I have gotten it from mutual masturbation?

What is the likelihood that his represents a false positive? Should he get a western blot?

Thanks. 

Yes, he needs a western blot - most certainly

Terri

2. Given the exposure I described in my last post, would you recommend testing in 6 weeks from when we last kissed and mutually masturbated?

Thank you again. 

I think there is an excellent chance that this is still a false positive.  I can't really give you a percentage but I will say that I have seen more than 140 people with positive supplementals who tested negative by western blot.  He would not get herpes from mutual masturbation so setting the timing from that is not necessary.  I'm a little confused about you worrying for yourself or wondering if his 2.79 is a false positive?  Can you clarify?

Terri

1. Since his positive result, we have not open-mouthed kissed. But we have had pecks on the lips (some of them were “wet”). Am I at risk of getting HSV-2 orally this way? I do not know whether he has it orally as he has had no outbreaks anywhere.  

2. I understand sips from beverages and sharing cigarettes are not a means of transmission, is this correct? Why does the NIH website say drinks and utensils can each be a means of transmission?

3. If I test shortly after getting vaccinated for flu and COVID, is there a greater risk of a false positive?

Thank you again.  

1. Since his positive result, we have not open-mouthed kissed. But we have had pecks on the lips (some of them were “wet”). Am I at risk of getting HSV-2 orally this way? I do not know whether he has it orally as he has had no outbreaks anywhere.  

95% of people who test positive for HSV 2 have it genitally, not orally.  I would not give a moment's worry to your pecks on the lips

2. I understand sips from beverages and sharing cigarettes are not a means of transmission, is this correct? Why does the NIH website say drinks and utensils can each be a means of transmission?

I don't believe that the NIH website says that beverages and cigarettes are method of transmission of HSV 2.

3. If I test shortly after getting vaccinated for flu and COVID, is there a greater risk of a false positive?

No.  We just don't fully understand what causes false positives but there is no reason to think that is the cause.

Terri