1) Should we pursue retesting for her with a different lab, perhaps employing the more definitive Western Blot test? If so, where can we do that, and what is the usual expense for it? (We assume Medicare and supplemental insurance do not apply.) Or should we just accept the “<.90″ index value as reliably negative? I am less concerned about her HSV 2 result - she is likely truly positive - than I am about your result. Can you find out what brand of antibody testing it was? Your HSV 1 is so high that I know it is not herpeselect and I guess I would like to confirm your HSV 2 status by western blot. With rare outbreaks, you could have HSV 1 genitally and wouldn't that be nice? 2) I conclude from your book that we are safe for kissing on the mouth (as I am HSVI positive, though asymptomatic); and safe for cunnilingus, as I would not transmit my genital HSVII to her genitals from my mouth. Is this correct, according to your understanding? Yes, kissing is fine as is you giving her oral sex. 3) What about fellatio, if she is HSV II negative? Since she has HSV I orally, could she also contract HSV II orally, or will that nerve region accommodate only one type of Herpes? She cold acquire HSV 2 orally from giving you oral sex but if she did, it would appear just like a cold sore and would essentially vaccinate her against getting genital HSV 2. 4) Are the animal-tissue type condoms still considered inferior to latex for prevention? (They are far more conducive to erections and orgasm for me than latex.) Those are fine! 5) Do you have any other advice or questions for us? does this seem like a long term relationship for you two? If yes and when yes, it would be good to think about how much it is really important for her to avoid infection. I know this might sound counterintuitive to you, but herpes can certainly be managed quite well and one must weigh all that against the challenging of sexual activity as we age. Trust me, I know all about such things. 6) Should we make an appointment to counsel with you in person? We live near the coast. You could, particularly if you want western blots for either or both of you, which I would recommend, just to be certain what is going on here. You live in Oregon?