[Question #5333] HSV1 genital infection transmission to partner with previous HSV1 oral infection

74 months ago

[Question #5012] In a continuation of this question: I was not diagnosed with a swab. Swab was negative. Diagnosis was not definitive, only based on genital symptoms and observations; positive blood test for HSV1. negative for HSV2. So going forward for possible pregnacy- I would have to tell my clinician and possibly start on antivirals at 36-37 weeks? Or since I have not had any further outbreaks, would I just have observations made at time of delivery for active lesions? I have heard that negative swab doesn't rule out a false negative?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

74 months ago

Given all of this, there is no way to know for sure if you have HSV 1 genital infection. So someone just looked at symptoms and told you, based on that, the not only do you have herpes but that you have HSV 1 genital infection? That's not possible to do. Maybe you had a lesion and a positive blood antibody test for HSV 1 nd someone said that means you have HSV 1 genitally? Even that is a leap. I am assuming you have never in your life had a cold sore on your lip? If you are deciding that you do indeed have HSV 1 genitally, in pregnancy, you would make your OB aware of this and they would likely put on you suppression and observe for lesions at delivery, correct.

Terri

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