We get this question a lot. If you have HSV-1, does that mean you’re going to get genital outbreaks? And what does it mean if you get a positive test result for Herpes 1 (HSV-1) and a negative result for HSV-2? Okay…let’s break it down. HSV-1 is super common and is often associated with cold sores. More than half the adults in America have HSV-1. HSV-2, also common, is most frequently associated with rashes down below. But…and here’s the tricky part. HSV-1 can cause genital symptoms but it’s less likely to cause frequent, recurrent outbreaks. The HerpeSelect test that we offer is a type-specific test. That means you can know which HSV type you may be dealing with.
A note about your negative test result for HSV-2. HerpeSelect detects antibodies to HSV so if you just had an unsafe exposure yesterday, the antibodies will not have formed. Practice safe sex and get tested again in 3 months to confirm your negative result.
Have a Herpes question? Ask away or call our counselors for a free consultation!
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I have Herpes simplex 1. Is it contagious when I am NOT having a outbreak.
If you have herpes in the mouth, did that come from oral sex or was their another way of contracting it?
I think this information is so important, otherwise it is like playing Russian Roulette with your life!
Good post!
Massimo, Herpes Simplex 1 is mostly contagious when there is an outbreak. But even when the virus is quiet, there is risk of passing it on. The virus has a reproduction period known as the “viral shedding period” that happens without visible symptoms. During this period, the virus can spread just before you have an outbreak. The thing is — it’s tricky to say when the virus is
reproducing. People sometimes feel a tingling or itchiness in the days before a cold sore shows up. Hope this helps!
i have simplex virus one an i have break out down there does that mean i have 2 an is it the same as regular herpes (simplex virus 2 =real herpes???)
I got tested and came back positive for HSV 1, but I’ve never had a cold sore, never had anything happen besides getting a blister on my lower half. My boyfriend got tested and he tested positive. I would like to know what I can do to protect my boyfriend from not getting it in the future. Can I give it to him if I’m not having an outbreak? Will condoms protect him 100%? Please help.
I’m sorry I ment my boyfriend tested Negative
ZBabe, thanks for the question. HSV-1 is very common and can often present no symptoms and no cold sores. You may have contracted it when you were very young. Your concern about your boyfriend is understandable and I’d like to address it. First, how to protect against transmission…Herpes 1 spreads with skin-to-skin contact. And the virus needs a soft moist area to target like the mouth and genital areas. So, to be blunt, since you can’t use a condom when you kiss, you really can’t prevent the spread of Herpes 1 with condom use only. Now, here’s the tricky part. The herpes virus can be active or latent. There is some controversy about transmission during latency periods which may be another blog post altogether. If you are very concerned about HSV 1, talk to your doctor. There are over the counter and prescription medications that are used to suppress the virus daily. Thanks for your question and we wish you the best of health.
How do I tell some that I am dateing that I have herpes? I got it by being druged and raped.I had no memmory of it, but was very sore and hurting the next morning and had a break out and went to the doctor.I feel like I will never be loved or excepted again for me because of this SID. When in the relationship do I tell him about it? Thanks
How do I tell some one that I am dateing that I have herpes? I got it by being druged and raped.I had no memmory of it, but was very sore and hurting the next morning and had a break out and went to the doctor.I feel like I will never be loved or excepted again for me because of this STD. When in the relationship do I tell him about it? Thanks
My wife and I were tested a few years ago for std’s and I was negative for everything. My wife tested positive for HSV-1 but has never had an outbreak. We do not use condoms as we are married. I recently had some sighns in the genitals and was tested again for HSV and tested positive for HSV-1. Can you get HSV-1 on the genitals when there is no sighn of an outbreak, and should I be worried about her being unfaithful?
HSV-1 is extremely common. Studies estimate that 58% of all Americans are infected with this type of herpes, most of which present as cold sores around the mouth. Some people get infected with HSV-1 in early childhood and then the virus never shows symptoms later in their adult lives. HSV-2 is the type of herpes that causes symptoms in the genital area — most of the time. It is possible to spread HSV-1 to the genital area during oral sex. As this virus is usually caught in early childhood from skin to skin contact around the mouth (kissing) and never goes away, a positive test result for HSV-1 does not mean that anyone has necessarily been unfaithful in your marriage. If you are experiencing symptoms, please see your healthcare provider for evaluation.
my friends and I seriously have to thank you, this was very good to read..
After how many days of a potential STD event, could i go for testing of STD’s. When can someone take the early detection tests
Cricuser, thanks for your question. The HIV DNA by PCR test can detect HIV as early as 28 days after a possible exposure. For antibody tests, the rule of thumb is 3 months after exposure. That said, most STDs do not have symptoms. It’s highly possible to have an STD and not know it. The CDC recommends that everyone who is sexually active get screened regularly for STDs and HIV. If you haven’t gotten tested this year, we can help. The 8 Test Panel tests for the most common STD. Congratulations on taking control of your sexual health!
The HIV DNA by PCR test is accurate at 28 days after an unsafe sexual event. Each infection has a different testing window, but since most STDs are silent and have no symptoms, it’s important to get tested routinely. If you get tested today, be sure to get tested again in 3 months to confirm your results. Be safe and we wish you the best of health.
I’m loving it
i just found out im positive herpes type 1 im very scared, i really dont know how i got it. Im very confused,i have kids n im scared i spread it to them…….Can somebody help me ….this is the worst feeling ever i feel trashy
Don’t despair! You’re not alone. Type 1 herpes is incredibly common. In fact approximately half of us have it by the time we’re in grade school. Only a small percentage of people actually get cold sores, most people never have any signs or symptoms of it and it might only be discovered on screening. We don’t necessarily consider type 1 herpes to be a sexually transmitted disease unless it’s located in the genital area, which can happen during oral sex. Have you ever kissed your kids prior to finding out that you have it? Of course you have. Then don’t worry about it. They might be positive for the virus already, but it’s not caused them any problems thus far and it probably won’t in the future. I suspect that most people pick up their HSV 1 from a grandparent, parent, aunt or uncle. Someone in the family who gave them a big smooch while unaware that they were shedding the virus. We know the virus can be shed even when a person doesn’t have cold sores. It sounds like you are understandably very worried about your family, but I want to assure you that the world doesn’t end to be type 1 positive. You have probably been positive since you were a kid too and look, you’re just fine!