Is this herpes? Confusing symptoms

[anon1484]

Had sexual encounter on March 11, received oral and masturbated ourselves and each other, so good chance fluids exchanged. Good amount of friction. I would label partner as promiscuous, so potentially high risk. Stayed up all night. 1.5 days later, started feeling lethargic, I would describe as flu like symptoms, but no sneezing or cough. Lower back pain. Some hot/cold flashes, serious loss of appetite. 4 days later I noticed single red spot midway up penis shaft, about width of pencil eraser, slightly raised. Seemed to be a bit inflamed and tender. Never swelled to a blister, never broke open. Now it’s just a red spot, slightly shiny, been there a week. Doesn’t hurt. Went to zoom care and had tests done, just to get baseline, stds all negative. It’s still there as of today, as shown in pic.

No other symptoms nothing around mouth.

Could this be herpes?

When can I get tested to know for sure?

[Terri Warren]

Hmmmm. Was that lesion present when you were seen at Zoom care? Did they do any swab testing of that lesion? Was herpes antibody testing included in the STD screen that you had done there? Is the red spot tender or itchy? Have you ever in your life had a cold sore on your lip or in your nose? Not a canker sore in your mouth but a cold sore on your lip?

Terri

[anon1484]

no swab done, just blood drawn and urine. Red spot was there at time of appt.

Igg for both hsv 1 and 2 just said negative <0.91

No history of cold sores

Bump may have been a little tender to the touch the first couple of days, not at all now. Has never itched.

Again, this never swelled to a blister, never opened, no fluid, no crusty.

Can I get a swab at this point and would it be accurate?

Is it possible this is herpes even with sore never blistering /opening?

Should I come in for an eval?

Thank you!

[anon1484]

and honestly, my red spot does not seem to match with pics of herpes I’ve seen on the web. But, the flu like symptoms, and time frame make me nervous. Also wondering what else could cause this type of spot if it’s not herpes? The spot had stayed pretty much the same over the past week. I read that a herpes sore would change almost daily?

Thanks

[Terri Warren]

I’m not sure – a bite perhaps? Or some kind of injury? Herpes sores normally do change over time, yes, so that speak against herpes. I think it might be a little late to get evaluated for your symptoms but I would encourage you to follow up with the antibody testing about 16 weeks from the encounter just to be certain. Have you ever had an antibody test for herpes yet?

Terri

[anon1484]

Thanks Terri, so at this point, I’m hoping it’s a friction injury or slight reaction from something, maybe latex?

I had asked earlier

Is it possible this is herpes even with sore never blistering / opening?

Do they always open up?

Yes, I did have the antibodies test done at zoomcare, both negative for 1&2 with levels below 0.91. But that was just 5 days after exposure, so I’ll plan on getting tested again at 4 months as you suggest. Is there a certain type of test I should ask for, and is 4 months the earliest we can feel confident about the accuracy?

I’m certainly still nervous.

[Terri Warren]

It could definitely be something else.
But yes, herpes doesn’t blister or open every time or that stage can be missed.
Yes, testing at four months is perfect. At 6 weeks post possible exposure, the HSV 2 test is 70% accurate – that is, there is a 70% chance that the result will stay the same at 16 weeks as it is at 6 weeks.

That was your last question on this subscription. If you have more questions, please feel free to resubscribe.

Terri

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