1. What do you think my herpes diagnosis is (orally, genitally) based on the symptoms I’ve described?
I think it is possible that you have HSV 1 orally, given your description of your weeping sores on the lips and the previous episode.
2. Do you think my type-specific test results are reliable, or could they be a false negative?
the type specific testing is very good for HSV 2 but for HSV 1, it misses 1-2 out of 10 HSV 1 infections.
3. Can you provide some info on how to interpret sensitivity and specificity in herpes tests?
Sensitivity is how many cases out of 100 does the test pick up. The specificity is if it says it is herpes, how likely is that to be correct.
4. Do you recommend I get a Western Blot as confirmation?
Absolutely. It is much better for HSV 1 than the screening test.
5. Does the itchiness in my vaginal area sound like it could have been herpes?
Genital itching is so vague . That by itself is not diagnostic of herpes for me.
6. Do you know what could have been going on with the rash on my lip in Dec 2014? Are you aware of any viruses other than herpes that would cause that type of reaction?
I think it could be herpes, honestly. If it is something else, I’m not sure what it would be.
7. Could what I experienced on my lip in Jan 2015 be a herpes sore or could it just me biting myself? I have a bad habit of biting the inside of my mouth when I’m feeling anxious.
It could be either. I think until you get a herpes western blot or another sore, there is no way to know. If you do get another sore, I would suggest that you get it swab tested using PCR as soon as possible in the outbreak.
You have two more questions – please feel free to ask.
Terri