First, most people who acquire an index value of greater than 3.0 on the IgG test for HSV 1 confirm as positive by western blot, we are seeing more false positives on the IgG test than we have in the past.
1) Does an index of 3.51 mean I recently acquired this?
There is simply no way to know that, no.
2) I’ve read that genital HSV1 almost always pops up with blisters with a primary infection, is that true?
I wouldn’t say that is necessarily true for everyone, but is often true, yes
3) Can canker sores be part of HSV1? I had a few of those growing up on the inside of my lips.
Nope, they are different
4) Is it really most likely that I’ve acquired this during childhood and am just an asymptomatic case?
Well, you are clearly asymptomatic. We know that about 70% of those infected with HSV 1 don’t describe symptoms associated with that infection. But it’s not quite that simple. Sometimes people have symptoms that they don’t associate with herpes until someone tells them about it – for example with oral herpes, many people have HSV 1 in the nostril, not on the lip. Or on the chin.
5) Should I expect a blister on my genitals any day now?
I don’t think so. IF you have HSV 1 genital infection, it will recur very infrequently, for most people anyway. If you are infected genitally (and oral infection is more likely), you may never have an outbreak that you recognize.
I’m sorry for so many questions, this has been wracking my Brian for months and I’ve heard of you and your reputation and I’m hoping to get some answers. Thank you so much for your time.
Your welcome. Remember that about half the population between 14-49 has HSV 1 so its very common indeed.
Terri