[Question #7524] Stroking inner thigh
55 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
55 months ago
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55 months ago
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55 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
55 months ago
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I'm sorry to hear that she tested and hope that you have not. HSV blood tests are problematic and not recommended in most settings because they have problems with sensitivity (they can miss some infections) because they have problems in terms of falsely positive test results (more on this below), and even when they accurately diagnoses HSV infection, they provide no information about how long infection has been present or who it came from. All of these negative characteristics are so common with HSV IgM tests that there are NO experts who routinely recommend use of these tests. The CDC specifically recommends against all such testing.
Thus her test results in no way change my assessment or recommendations. If her IgG test is negative or was not done, I would strongly recommend that she ignore the IgM test result and do her best to move forward.
Unfortunately, I do not have colleagues who might help with translation. EWH
55 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
55 months ago
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Clearly this was on your mind. This follow-up appeared moments after I replied to your last post. Before I comment further, I also need to tell you that we provide up to three responses to each client's questions and since this is my 3rd response, this will complete the thread. There will be no further responses and I cannot imagine what additional information you cold supply that would change my assessment.
The value of the IgM test is not helpful. Its a crummy test which, as I mentioned should never be used. No change in my assessment of advice, even if your lips touched her lesion and the lesion turned out to be HSV (which is unlikely).
Related to the 2nd part of your question, if you have had HSV-1 or cold sores in the past, this provides a degree of resistance to HSV-2 infection. Further, I should add that a biological characteristic of HSV-2 is that it only very rarely infects the mouth and oral cavity.
Please don't worry. I am confident there is no risk whatsoever for HSV from the events you described. Even if the lesion you noted was HSV and even if your lips touched it. Take care. EWH
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
55 months ago
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