[Question #5727] Soonest possible HSV 2 testing
73 months ago
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I was informed today that I was exposed to HSV 2 via unprotected sex on a couple of occasions 10-8 days ago. I’m very worried. He says he’s never had symptoms or an outbreak. What is the very soonest I can get tested and my odds of having gotten this?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
73 months ago
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Well, you could obtain a baseline antibody test now to be certain you were not infected previously.
So I am assuming he was tested via antibody test to know that he is positive. If yes, then please, if you are talking to him, ask about the number associated with his positive result. If his value is less than 3.5, he needs a confirmatory test as he has had no symptoms or outbreak. The soonest you can get a reliable test is 6 weeks - but that, if negative, means there is about a 70% chance that you will still be negative at a 12 week out test.
Terri
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73 months ago
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I was tested and negative 6 weeks ago, prior to meeting him. He tested last week with an igg level of 10. Never had symptoms or outbreak. If there were 3 unprotected encounters, how at risk am I, odds wise? I am worried sick and don’t know how to wait 4 more weeks to test :(
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
73 months ago
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Thanks for the clarification. So with three unprotected intercourses, transmission is still unlikely. If you had sex with him twice a week for a year, the risk of infection is somewhere likely between 10-20%. That's 104 times. This was 3 times. You can do the math, but it is a low number. This is especially true since you are not having herpes symptoms. Now you will probably notice very little body sensation and wonder if it is herpes but try not to do that. You are past the time when you would normally develop lesions if you were going to get symptoms with a new infection. I suspect you'll be fine. Follow up testing at 6 and 12 weeks will be helpful to clarify this more completely
Terri
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