Hi, inquired about DNA PCR serum test and effectiveness. Ended up getting another flare up in genitals and dermatologist said "that's herpes". This flare up last almost a month and still has a mark in my genital area like a wound healing. Ended up getting an IGG test and a DNA PCR Serum test this time.

I got an IGG test, positive. Test was May 29th, 2018

HSV-1: 27.1

HSV-2: 9.13

My question is my last partner before my girlfriend, which I know my girlfriend didn't give it to me, was back in mid  September. Got tested in December 28th, 2017. Only tested positive for Herpes Simplex Type 1, gave me no values. Why Wouldn't Type 2 show up with that much time?

And can those values from the IGG positive test tell me how long I have had it? Also they gave me another DNA PCR Serum test on May 29th and HSV-2 was detected but not HSV-1. Any idea why it was detected in my blood for DNA this time and not back on February 22nd, 2018 when they gave me my first DNA PCR Serum test?

Also are there any helpful tips for my relationship with my girlfriend who I know didn't have it prior to us being together? I feel it is almost evident she must have it too since we have been together since January. We haven't had sex since this most recent flare up, been about a month. I am taking her to get her tested today for an IGG test.

Also am curious if you think my full body itching with redness of my skin in blotches , which my dermatologist diagnosed as eczema. And chronic stomach pain and discomfort which my Primary care doctor deems as "stress related" and I'm just an anxious person. If any of this is all related to one another?

Thank you

First of all, it would be extremely unusual for one of the herpes simplex viruses to show up in a serum test.  I wonder if you are reading that correctly. The PCR test should be reserved for swabbing, not for blood test.  Your HSV one and HSV-2 antibody test are clearly and soundly positive. It is not possible to know from these values how long you have been infected, no. How do you know that your girlfriend did not have herpes were first together? Was she a virgin? I'm glad that you will have her tested to determine the best way forward for the two of you as a sexually active couple.  If she is negative for HSV-2, you should consider taking daily antiviral therapy and using condoms to reduce the risk of infecting her.  Remember that her antibody test Will not reflect input from you over the most recent past three months. It can take that long to develop antibody. Please let me know what other questions you may have

Terri

Also is it true in terms of transmission, that once one part of the body is infected, that it won't spread to other parts of your body? Or is it possible to spread to other parts? Can herpes affect your whole body?

For instance if me and my girlfriend both have HSV 2 in the genital area, can we spread it to our mouth through oral sex?

Also, are there any tips to help maintain or reduce flair ups? Other than the anti-viral medication? 

Herpes does not cause generalized genital itching.  That is likely due to something else entirely. 

It is possible to spread the virus to other parts of the body when the infection is very very new but almost never after that.  Just wash your hands while touching a herpes lesion (if you happened to have one). 

If you both have well established HSV2 infection, it is highly unlikely that you would ever get it in a new location on your bodies

There is no evidence for tactics other than antiviral medicine to reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Terri