I am confused, you say that I most likely have HSV1, but it was only a blood test was not western blot and same blood test showed twice negative. My confusion is if Dr. did a type specific PCR and yet the lab and Dr. could not give the type, and I am currently showing negative for HSV 2, we are just assuming an HSV 1 positive 48 hours after exposure. My tests for HSV 2 have repeatedly been determined negative. Dr.’s notes indicates that since I’m asymptomatic, not recommended to repeat test for HSV 1 and that I believe PCR was invalid. The reason I believe PCR was invalid is because I was also testing blood negative and it clearly presented as folliculitis as hair folic was present at site and Dr visually examined and said this is Not Herpes. 

 PCR that was supposed to be type specific should have cleared that up, except they didn’t present me with full lab result in omitting the type. I asked about that and was told that it didn’t matter because once its genital herpes they are treated the exact same way. I was told that I would most likely show positive in blood and clinical guidelines to join Herpes groups and dating sites.

While this could be in his cornea, finger or other parts of body HSV.  I have explained this to new partners and require testing from them for HSV. New potential partners are telling me they never had exposures and therefore don’t test for HSV and like me say their doctor says that unless you have symptoms, they don’t recommend test for HSV 1. 

Basically, I strongly feel I am repeatedly subjecting myself to extreme stigma and shame over an exposure to HSV 1 but not certain that I have contracted the virus and am asymptomatic years later. 

 From my research (please correct if inaccurate) I have concluded: 70% of the population has HSV1. The rate of transmission of genital herpes from an infected female to a healthy male is 4% over one year.  The HSV-1 virus prefers to reside in its usual place (trigeminal ganglia of the head) between outbreaks and therefore the chance of transmission is lower if it resides in the genital area. Since most herpes transmission occurs between outbreaks with virus shedding, the HSV-1 shedding from the genital area is 11%. Recent data, particularly for HSV-1 genital shedding frequency, suggests that shedding declines as time post-infection increases. Therefore, a four-year-old possible infection would be low or even rare. Unless you have symptoms, testing is not recommended, and that most of the population is asymptomatic. Therefore, why would one go around disclosing a 4+ year old “possible” infection/ exposure, if they are asymptomatic when the rest of the population is told they don’t need to test for it since they are asymptomatic.  

In dating, NO one is willing to move forward after I have said I had exposure and previous singular intimate experience with HSV 1+ partner. Furthermore, they comment that it would not have been an issue if we were in a long-term relationship, and it came about later.  Yet, If I start the conversation by asking them for their STD results, I am being told they have not had to test for HSV since they are asymptomatic, and it’s not recommended unless you have an outbreak.  Which is the story I got after said exposure scare, mind you he was a  medical professional and said who tests for HSV.  Basically, NO one wants to test, have this stigma as it’s so prevalent.

Are we really to go around and disclose exposure to viruses that present with a blister on the lips and/or possibly other part of the body? How bad can HSV 1 outbreak really be for a healthy human, is HSV 1 truly a risk or a stigma!? I am certain that I have come across it in previous relations and I am healthy and asymptomatic, yet I am noticing that men would openly have casual sex with me prior to any discussion on HSV, and later if I ask them, they may tell me they too have had exposure with previous partner and asymptomatic. However, if I start the conversation with disclosure of my very rare, and inconclusive testing they will not want to proceed with even kissing. 

In conclusion, I want to speak with confidence, I am asymptomatic and never had a western blot test for HSV 1 and therefore don’t want the continued shame and the HORRIBLE stigma of disclosing that I had a previous experience with an HSV 1 exposed male. If I went to a doctor today, I would recommend that I don’t run the test unless you have symptoms. It appears to me that that HSV exposure has infected my mind, not my body.