Hello, I had unprotected sex with someone 2 years ago and I didn’t realize until after he was taking anti viral medication valtrex. He said it was for shingles but I’m worried it was for something else. Is it possible to have an outbreak years later? It’s been since 2020 when that even happened, but I still have anxiety that I will have an outbreak somehow years later. Is it common to have a first herpes outbreak years later? I’ve never had one, but I’m still scared. If you could let me know I would greatly appreciate it. 

it is possible to have an outbreak years after being infected, yes, but if you are worried that you have herpes and don't know it, the best way is to get a herpes antibody test.  The best one is the herpes western blot but you could also do a common IgG test and be aware that there are some false positives in the low positive range (1.1 to 3.5).  If you do it and need help with interpretation, just write me back and I will help you.---

Is it pretty rare though for an outbreak to come out years later? Or it’s pretty common? If I already know I get cold sores HSV 1, which is the best test to determine if I have HSV 2? 

The best test is the herpes western blot done only at the University of Washington.  Your own doctor can work with them for you or I can at westoverheights.com---
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Thank you, but my question is, is it rare for someone’s first outbreak to lay dormant for years? Or is it generally pretty common? 

I think what you are asking me is if someone can be infected for years and then have an outbreak when they never have had one before, is that correct?  ---