[Question #13361] Parter tested reactive for HSV-1 and HSV-2

 
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4 hours ago
My partner was previously diagnosed with HSV-2 by a swab of an outbreak on her genitals. She recently had a complete STI screening, including HSV-1/HSV-2 antibody screening. I expected her to test positive for HSV-2, but she was reactive to both. I don’t know if her health care provider ever did the blood tests before. I had a recent STI panel and am negative for everything, including HSV-1/HSV-2.
1. Given she has never had any cold sores/oral outbreaks, I’m not sure what to do with this information. She already takes Valtrex prophylactically once per day. Do I now have to assume there will always be a risk of me getting HSV-1 if I kiss her or receive oral sex? I really enjoy the oral sex, especially since we always have to use condoms for vaginal sex.
2. I really love my partner, but I do take my sexual health seriously, so it was a little challenging to accept the HSV-2 thing at first. I want to be safe, but I feel like it would be overwhelming/lack intimacy to not be able to have any type of unprotected sexual encounters with her without some concern. What are your recommendations for people who test positive for HsV-1 but never have any outbreaks? Or in this situation where she has genital outbreaks of HSV-2 but also tests positive for HSV-1 with no oral outbreaks.?