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What Does Positive Test For Herpes Antibodies Indicate?
Question: My boyfriend started having bumps that came up on his penis last november. He immediately went in to see his physician to get bloodwork done. The bump had disappeared before his appointment and all STD tests came back negative. He had another set of bumps come up about 45 days later this time he called and asked to be seen immediately. They again did blood work and a swab and he asked specifically to be tested for Herpes. The doctor said all the tests came back negative. Now 5 months later I have a white bump/ sore like mark just under my clitoris and its very painful. He contacted his doctor again and could only talk with the MA she said the test came up positive for Herpes antibodies but the doctor said he didn't have Herpes. Is having the antibodies the same thing? I have had STD testing every year and was tested before having sex with my boyfriend and came up negative on all tests. My insurance is not available until November so I cannot go get the test again yet.
Brief Answer:
Antibodies mean previous infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query at healthcaremagic.
Having antibodies means that there has been previous exposure to the infection, which resulted in immunity getting active against it by producing antibodies. Antibodies kill the germs.
Doctor must have actually meant that the concerned person does not have skin lesions (i.e no active infection).
Genital herpes is a common infection and atleast 16.2% people have antibodies against it. Sometimes people develop active infection due to some illness, stress or another factor. While not all people having antibodies develop symptoms of HSV-2, they can pass this infection on to others without knowing it.
Sorry that you are suffering because of it. Take precautions not to pass it on. Take care of yourself as well.
Dr Vaishalee
Antibodies mean previous infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query at healthcaremagic.
Having antibodies means that there has been previous exposure to the infection, which resulted in immunity getting active against it by producing antibodies. Antibodies kill the germs.
Doctor must have actually meant that the concerned person does not have skin lesions (i.e no active infection).
Genital herpes is a common infection and atleast 16.2% people have antibodies against it. Sometimes people develop active infection due to some illness, stress or another factor. While not all people having antibodies develop symptoms of HSV-2, they can pass this infection on to others without knowing it.
Sorry that you are suffering because of it. Take precautions not to pass it on. Take care of yourself as well.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
There was no mention of anyibodies from this doctor on wither test. As we sat in the office he said everything came back negative. It wasnt until just yearerday that the MA said yhe test had actually revealed anyibodies and then the dr wrothe the prescription for valtrex without another appointment or even talking with us
Brief Answer:
It is quite possible that report was missed
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
It is possible that this particular report was not there in his file that day. Or he did not notice it. Also he may not have explained it nicely. Now that this report and your infection has come to his notice, he has prescribed antiviral for it.
There is no need for you to get tested for this infection. You have the lesions and it is diagnostic. It is your choice whether you want to take the antivirals or not. The lesions will clear without the medicine as well. Don't touch the sores. You may spread it on other parts of your body. Medicines may lessen the intensity and duration of symptoms.
Dont worry. Try not to stress about it. Raise your immunity with regular exercise (gym, walk, yoga, etc) and hygienic diet. Avoid unnecessary medicines that may lower your immunity further.
Dr Vaishalee
It is quite possible that report was missed
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
It is possible that this particular report was not there in his file that day. Or he did not notice it. Also he may not have explained it nicely. Now that this report and your infection has come to his notice, he has prescribed antiviral for it.
There is no need for you to get tested for this infection. You have the lesions and it is diagnostic. It is your choice whether you want to take the antivirals or not. The lesions will clear without the medicine as well. Don't touch the sores. You may spread it on other parts of your body. Medicines may lessen the intensity and duration of symptoms.
Dont worry. Try not to stress about it. Raise your immunity with regular exercise (gym, walk, yoga, etc) and hygienic diet. Avoid unnecessary medicines that may lower your immunity further.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
How long do the flu like aymptoms last with the outbreak?
Brief Answer:
Mostly just one or two days
Detailed Answer:
Hi
In my experience the flu-like symptoms last only for initial one or two days. Sometimes they may even last upto 7-10 days. First episode is usually worse. Sores may last for a longer time.
Dr Vaishalee
Mostly just one or two days
Detailed Answer:
Hi
In my experience the flu-like symptoms last only for initial one or two days. Sometimes they may even last upto 7-10 days. First episode is usually worse. Sores may last for a longer time.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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