I think sexually I would advise that if you get a new sex partner you let them you know you have the cold sore virus – HSV 1- that 56% of the population between 14 and 49 have. You only know that you have the antibody to the virus – you don’t know if your infection is oral or genital. I would strongly suggest that your new partners be tested, not only to determine their HSV 1 status compared to you but also to know if they are HSV 2 positive and don’t know it. Eighty percent of those infected with HSV 2 don’t know it.
If you want to specific find out if a bump is herpes, then you can do the PCR swab, yes, do sort out that particular bump which might let you know if you get a similar bump in the future, whether it is herpes or not, right?
You know, in the ’60s, probably close to 90% of the US had HSV 1 and no one ever gave it a second thought. It caused cold sore, everybody had them. Now, because we recognize that cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, a close question of genital herpes, it has taken on all this meaning and stigma. I would strongly encourage you to not buy into this very emotional response to a pretty benign virus (at least for adults – HSV 1 for the newborn can be devastating but is easily preventable). Think with you head about this, not your emotions if possible.
The likelihood that a new partner will also have this is high. If that is the case, it will be a non-issue.
Terri