[Question #7485] Trying to figure it out
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56 months ago
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November 1st of this year I had sexual intercourse in which I used protection (condom). Between December 1st through 5th, I started noticing I had some sort of a rash or irritation on my genitals, it had some sort of clear clear fluid coating on top of it. I went to a health care provider and he advised me to take a herpes test and prescribed me mupirocin and valacyclovir. The mupirocin made quick work and it dried and disappeared within 3 days. December 7th I took a blood test and it came back negative for both HSV 1 & 2 the following week. My question is, is there a chance that the result might be a false negative? I am confused between whether the timeline of the antibodies working is between the time of exposure or when the infection happens.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
56 months ago
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Your testing happened quite soon after the contact, only about 5 weeks, so it's not going to be perfect. But at 6 weeks from possible infection, we know that 70% of those who are going to test positive on the IgG test will have done so. So it's very good news that you are negative at that time. And the condom reduced the risk of transmission by about 65%. The question I do have is this: how long did you take the valacyclovir? It can definitely impact antibody testing if taken for an extended period of time. Was any swab testing done of the rash? That's what should have been done.
Sorry not to answer sooner, our internet has been out for a bit
Terri
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56 months ago
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Thank you for being able to answer the question. I was only taking valacyclovir for 2 or so days before the blood the test was conducted and the healthcare provider did not offer a swab test. Do you recommend to conduct another blood test to be safe?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
56 months ago
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That's good then, not enough antiviral medicine to make a difference in your testing. However, for greatest clarity, yes, I would recommend repeating the test at 12 weeks out and no more antiviral medicine.
Terri
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