Question:
After a negative culture I had 2 blood tests taken for type 2 because my doc insisted I couldn't get type 1 genitally if I had chicken pox or fever blisters.

My first test was at 7 weeks from possible exposure and the number was .08<.90 and my second test at 13 1/2 weeks from possible exposure was .06<.90.

Would you venture a guess as to whether I could be absolutely certain that I don't have type 2? Can you also tell me if I would need a swab culture to determine if I might have type 1 genitally as I have had chicken pox as a child and a few fever blisters throughout the past 25 years?

I value your opinion and would really appreciate any input.

Answer:
Of course I'm not Mr. Smith, who happens to give great answers on blood work, but the virus that causes Chicken Pox is Herpes Varicella Zoster.

Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus.

Here is a link on how people get herpes.

Answer:
I know you explained that to me before Caliope, and I know you feel as if I'm not listening but I had asked my gyn the very same thing. She insists that if I ever had chicken pox or fever blisters I would not get type one genitally. I said "but different types of herpes have different type numbers, don't they? So chicken pox or shingles wouldn't be type 1 or 2. She said herpes is herpes and she had only seen one patient with type 1 ghsv and it was because she had no history of chicken pox or cold sores".

I know that a lot of doctors out there aren't up to date on hsv info and I do know how people get it but it's hard to sort out what is fact and what isn't regardless of where the info comes from. I can't help but worry since my symptoms were something I never experienced before.

I'm sorry I'm wearing you out, Caliope. I'm still concerned if I'm going to have something show up again that might look like gh.

Answer:
After a negative culture I had 2 blood tests taken for type 2 because my doc insisted I couldn't get type 1 genitally if I had chicken pox or fever blisters. I think what he/she is trying to say it that a pre-existing case of Oral HSV1 will prevent the same virus from jumping to the genital location. The idea is you can't get something you already have. If your HSV1 antibodies are already developed, they ready to fight off any further infections in new locations. Never say never with this virus, while it is possible for the virus to jump to another location the odds are very very low. So low, that some doctors say it can't happen.

Remember, a fever blister is the Herpes Simplex virus, Chicken Pox is not and will not prevent the Herpes Simple Virus

If I was a doctor (and I'm not) I'd recommend getting another culture when/if you have an breakout. Timing is everything in a culture test, it needs to be collected within the first 48 hours. And of course, there needs to be something to swab.

You HSV2 blood test show negative results. Without any sort of symptoms you should be able to trust these results. If your mind is working a little too fast, retest at the 6 month mark. If that test is negative it's time to move on.

Regards
Mr Smith.

Answer:
Thank you for replying Mr Smith,

Yes, that is what she is saying. Yes, I have had fever blisters few and far between. OK, the case of chicken pox I had won't protect me.

Unfortunately, something has come up and I will miss the window for an accurate culture. Just my luck, I'll just have to wait and see what developes. Appreciate it.

Answer:
helied2me - No I did not "feel" that you weren't listening. There are dozens of people who post here and it would be impossible for someone to remember every single entry and who wrote what.

You had a good question and for everyones edification it helps if there is factual information made available. I was just trying to be helpful by providing it, however . . . It seems I must have struck a nerve as your reply was both curt and rude.

What is it about the holidays that makes people so hostile?