gshv1 testing and reccurance

[jashjash474]

Hello. My concern revolves around GHSV1. I was diagnosed with GHSV1 13 years ago and had a horrible first outbreak. I acquired it via oral sex from my ex who had history of cold sores. After the initial outbreak, i had two very small outbreaks (like one spot) over next six months and then nothing. I actually forgot I had it at times and didnt think about it much. Fast forward to this past fall when I acquired Covid. I had a swollen node in groin area followed by a rash on knee and later symptoms of what I assumed was GSHV 1. Doc said knee was shingles and assumed as I did that genitally I was experiencing HSV 1 again. No testing was done and I was given Valtrex 3 grams per day to address both. Now, months later I have not been able to go off of Valtrex without experiencing symptoms. I went to urgent care where they did a type specific culture on two different genital lesions that came back negative for Type 1 and Type 2. This however, was a few days into the outbreak but both lesions were not healed over yet. I was also tested for all other STIs during that visit and all were negative. I guess I am just puzzled and my question is concerning the accuracy of the swab culture. Are they very accurate a few days into outbreak? This was a regular culture I believe and not PCR. Thank you.

[jashjash474]

If I may ask another question. There seems to be a ton of information on GSHSV 2 but it seems more difficult to find info on GSHV1. It has truly been a while since I have even had to be concerned about transmitting to a partner. If by some chance, this is in fact a reactivation of GHSV 1,despite the negative culture, what are the chances of my passing this to a partner via genital contact? I am presently taking Valtrex and I have ordered an acylovir cream as well. This is a monogamous relationship, so no condom usage. Thank you.

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