Expert Thoughts Needed :)

[LookingForMoreInfo]

Hi Terri,

I’ve reviewed numerous articles, studies, videos, and comments about HSV in hopes of understanding as much as I can, but nothing replaces an expert’s opinion…

My understanding is that HSV2 often doesn’t produce symptoms or at least they are very mild which results in 80% of the HSV2 infected population not knowing they have this virus. Therefore, my question is does it make any sense for me to complete the Western Blot Test? If I truly do have HSV2, I’ve never even had a noticeable initial outbreak and there is a strong likelihood I’ve had the virus for many years. I tested twice just to be be sure the ELISA test results were correct. My first result was 8.12 and the more recent was 7.6. Odd it went down, but I assume that’s normal. Given that these numbers are a relatively high it would seem very likely the screening results were accurate. I rarely get sick, but about 10 years ago I had really bad mono. Is it possible having strong antibodies (specifically mono given that it’s in the same family of viruses) contribute to a false positive? I believe false positives typically result in anti-body proteins that are picked up that are similar to HSV and the ELISA test doesn’t differentiate between them.

The second part of my question….since I don’t have symptoms it really doesn’t impact me and I’m the same person I was prior to the diagnosis, but my only concern is possible transmission. I’ve read various studies regarding transmission rates and am comfortable with that, but there are a few more technical parts that aren’t clear. For asymptomatic shedding, it’s suggested that it occurs 10% of the time. Does simply showering with soap and water clear the virus from the skin for at least the moment? Does showering after sex help prevent transmission too? How often is it thought the viral load is enough to actually transmit the virus to another.

Thanks!

[Terri Warren]

Given your index value, I think a false positive is unlikely but I have seen someone recently with an index value of 9.7 that did not confirm by Western blot. Now I am pretty skeptical of even higher values. If it would make you more comfortable with your future sexual behavior to get the best test possible, I am fine with that. You can work with your own provider to obtain this test or I will work with you if you are out unable to work with your own provider.

Showering with soap and water will temporarily remove virus but it could come back again quickly I’m at depending I suppose upon how long the sexual encounter lasts. A better strategy for reducing transmission is to take daily antiviral medicine and use condoms when having intercourse.

Terri

[LookingForMoreInfo]

Thanks, Terri.

I’m going to think about it, but I will likely move forward with the Western Blot in the near future as I do want to confirm I do actually have HSV2. I will also likely reach out to you for this as well.

Assuming my blot returns positive, I’ve already planned to take the anti viral-daily, but the condom use for every sex act seems like a huge inconvenience (especially in long-term relationships). Specifically for oral sex. I’ve read that HSV2 is less likely orally. Is this mostly because oral sex can be less frequent than intercourse? Or is there truly a scientific reason for this? Do you have an annual percentage stat for HSV2 transmission orally?

Thanks again.

[Terri Warren]

HSV 2 oral sex is not common and essentially vaccinates against genital infection. it’s because HSV 2 has a strong site preference for the genital tract. It is a biologic issue, not a sexuality issue. We have no data on oral transmission.And couples can certainly make their own decisions about how much protection to use – there are no rules!

BTW I just had a 12.1 not confirm by western blot

Terri

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