[Question #3814] Guidance and information please

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87 months ago

 

A relative of mind has supposedly contracted HSV1 

He took a test at a clinic and got the results through a phone call so I am not sure which type of test it was.

He said there were antibodies present in HSV1  at first and said he didn’t get a conclusive positive and pulse need to get retested and then later changed it to he was told he was positive and negative in hsv2. His last exposure was give or take 3weeks and first was at least 3month ago

He found aceclovyr in his partners closet.

He was checked by a urologist and nothing appeared on his genitals and has no cold sores

He is totally shattered and I am trying my best to support him but I know his menta state is off so I’m not sure the truth of what the test said

My questions are 

1)is it possible that the test can still be negative or false positives for hsv if antibodies were found 

  1. we live in the same house with our family with 5ppl all over 10. Is anyone of us in “danger “ or at risk? He is planning to move out ASAP so I don’t know if this is the right thing to do or not
  2. What type of specialist do we go to I can’t find a specialist in nyc who deals with hsv. I have dealt with prostatits and know how bad it could be when a doctor isn’t equipped to handle something serious 
  3. What is the right mental health route to take. Which type of psychologist or physiatrist should I look for
  4. How can I support him and make sure he doesn’t do anything terrible to himself
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
87 months ago
There can be false positives on the HSV one test, yes, particularly if it is an I GM test.  But given that half the population of the United States ages 14 to 49 have HSV one infection, it would not be surprising if he is truly infected. Many people acquire this season childhood from an adult kissing them when they have a cold sore. I don't know if he is moving out of your house because he has HSV 1 infection but if that is the case that is ridiculous.  There is simply no need for that. This is not a serious medical problem by any means. And I don't understand why he would need to see a specialist for this very common problem. Most often, and this is not a sexually transmitted infection. It is usually due to cold sores or asymptomatic oral infection. If he is really upset, I was suggest that he see a cognitive behavior therapist who are very good at dealing with irrational beliefs. You can best support him by pointing out how common this infection is in our population. It does not cause more serious medical issues, generally speaking.

Terri
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87 months ago
They called again and confirmed postive hsv1
He hasn’t had any cold sores but has had some issues urintstkmg and some pain in his legs. He was checked by a urologist and said it’s not genital . 
How does he know if he has genital or oral? Please help me and him this is so so so so scary and difficult . I’m in over my head and I know he’s not doing well 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
87 months ago
This does not  help me. I need to know the type of test.  Let's assume for a moment that it is the proper test,an IgG.  I'm not really sure why this very common infection is so scary and difficult - maybe you can help me understand that?  My entire family is HSV 1 positive!
He can only know if it is oral or genital by having a lesion in either location that is swab tested and is positive for HSV 1.

Terri

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