This year I have been seeing a man who is very afraid of getting herpes from me. I'm not getting much help or assistance from my local practitioner, which is why I'm turning to you. My first question regards testing. At the time of my outbreak I tested positive for Herpes 2, but recently my partner and I both were tested locally for herpes 1 and 2, and both tested negative for both, which is so confusing.  Now I am considering getting a test done at U Washington, because I've read it's more precise. 

When you say that at your initial outbreak, you tested positive for HSV 2, was that a blood test or a swab test?

Have you taken antiviral medication during the intervening time?

Depending upon your answer to these questions, I do think the western blot would be helpful to sort this out. 

The herpes virus does NOT travel up through your body and out through your mouth, that's not how this works

I'm eager to hear the answers to my questions.

Terri

I can't quite remember, but I'm almost positive I had a swab test. I do think I initially took an anti-viral medication, but only with that outbreak, and not subsequently. 

As for having oral herpes, I think the question is more whether either strain could have moved up or down during oral sex and/or kissing with my previous partner, the one I got herpes from. Also, having gotten negative test results from the more recent blood work, which seems to be a false negative, I am now curious about whether I could also have Herpes 1, or whether my present partner could. 

Thanks!

It is possible that your genital infection is HSV 1, yes.  And it is possible that if someone gives you oral sex, you can acquire HSV 1 from then genitally if that is what you mean?

The IgG test for HSV 1 misses 30% of infections compared to the gold standard western blot so either of you could have it and the test missed it.

I think getting the western blot would probably give you far more insight into your true situation than you have right now

Terri

Is it possible for me to have HSV 2 both genitally and orally, for instance from sexual activity with my previous partner? He also tested positive for HSV 2, though he's never had an outbreak. 

It seems that the next step is setting up a western blot test, at least for myself. 

Thanks!

You actually posted this twice.  I am answering in the new location and closing this thread out for now.

Terri