I had a negative herpes test in 2009 and a positive test in 2021.  Is it possible that I was positive in 2009 and the test missed it because I did not have symptoms?  I have been with one partner since 2003.  The first test was done as part of a work up for a liver transplant.  The second in 2021 because I had a lesion.  Thank in advance for your help.

---

It was a swab test followed by a blood test a few months later.  Since the first lesion, I have had about 4 more outbreaks.  Each time just one lesion in the same area.

---

The test in 2009 was a positive hsv 1 blood test and negative for hsv 2. I tested positive for both hsv 1 and 2 in 2021 via blood test.   I am just trying to figure out how the disease was missed and I didn't have symptoms until 2021.  My husband says he hasn't been with anyone else and I don't see any signs of it.  I guess I just need to know that it is possible to not have symptoms show up for 18 years.  Would menopause and a lack of estrogen pave the way for symptoms?  Thanks by the way for working with me on this.  I was so shocked and embarrassed to get the diagnosis.

I still need clarification, please.  You stated that you had a swab test that was positive.  For which type was the swab test positive?---

It was positive for hsv 2

So there are a few ideas about what happened here---