Fifty six percent of the US population between 14 and 49 has HSV 1 infection so it is very common indeed – more common to be infected than not infected.
It is possible that the HSV 1 test was responding to high levels of HSV 2 antibody, in spite of being type specific. Sometimes there is a bit of “dribble” over between the two types. Or he could actually have HSV 1 infection. If he does, and has no active cold sore, then I would not worry about sharing drinks or utensils. Those items are not good transmitters of virus. The only inanimate things I worry about in terms of transmission of HSV 1 are lipsticks and lip balms. They stay nice and moist and usually dark, conditions, the viruses like for growing.
The screening test that your ex-husband had done misses about 1-2 out of 10 HSV 1 infections, so it is not perfect in several ways. There is a more accurate test available called the herpes western blot. However, if he is not now positive for HSV 1, it is highly unlikely he will ever acquire it after having HSV 2. And yes, lots of people have both HSV 1 and HSV 2 infections.
Do you know your HSV 1 status?
Terri