Those are certainly variable results, all over the place results! The problem is that the test for HSV 1, with this method, is no where near as good as it is for HSV 2. If you really want to know if you have HSV 1 you will need to do a herpes western blot. I can help you get that. Having said that, 56% of the US population is infected with HSV 1 so more people have it than don’t. HSV 1 and HSV 2 can be transmitted when there are no symptoms present. If you have HSV 1 orally, you could potentially transmit it via kissing (deep passionate kissing, vs. kissing a child). If you end up having a partner who is negative for HSV 1 and HSV 2, and you turn out to be positive for HSV 1 truly you may wish to take medicine daily to try to reduce the possibility of infecting that person. Since so many people do have a this, you may not feel the need to know for certain, but it appears that you do.
You will not infect your niece when you have no cold sore present.
Do you want me to help you with getting a herpes western blot? It is not available through normal lab channels.
Terri