Question:
I was infected with HSV both orally and genitally 16 years ago by the same person, from his (unknown at the time) genital herpes. Is there any point to having the blood work done to diagnose whether it is HSV1 or 2?

I'm just curious whether different treatments are better for different strains.

Thanks for any input!

Answer:
i dont know which one ive got, docs told me they can find out for me if i want, but i dont see much point in it either..

unless they made a drug for a certain strain.

Answer:
i dont know which one ive got, docs told me they can find out for me if i want, but i dont see much point in it either..

unless they made a drug for a certain strain.
well then how do you know if you have it or not? just by visual diagnosis?

Answer:
Is there any point to having the blood work done to diagnose whether it is HSV1 or 2? Yes it is important.... If you have HSV1 in both locations, and a new partner has Oral HSV1, then there's really nothing to worry about. The chance of them getting genital HSV1 is about zero, since they would already have the antibodies. If you have Oral HSV1 and Genital HSV2, then any partner who doesn't already have both would be at some level of risk. If you and your partner both know your complete HSV status, then you'll know what precautions are necessary if any.

Answer:
well then how do you know if you have it or not? just by visual diagnosis? When i was tested i was told i had HSV they didnt tell me which type.

Answer:
my doc said i was tested for both hsv1 and 2 and that i have both. i can only assume that they are both genital because i have never had a cold sore; even though i am new to this virus (4 months in), i have waxed my upper lip, gotten sunburn, chapped, etc. and i also tug on my lips and skin when i am stressed or in deep thought; still no cold sores???????????? oh also no itchiness or tingling either????

Answer:
Mr. Smith,
If I have HSV1 in both areas, and I know my partner has HSV1 only upstairs, does this mean I am less likely to spread it downstairs if I am not having an OB since their antibodies already claim HSV1 too?

Answer:
correct.

The general rule of thumb is once you have developed antibodies, the chance of getting the same HSV type in a different location is close to zero.

Never say never with this virus, it's very tricky and acts differently for everyone. Best to avoid sex when having an outbreak.

Regards
Mr Smith

Answer:
Thank you Mr. Smith for educating and giving me more hope.