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What Does This HSV Test Report Indicate?
Brief Answer:
Positive for hsv 1 and 2; precautions, advice and what to expect
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am Dr. Kakkar (MD Dermatology and STDs). I have read your query and I have also reviewed the attachments.
The test report shows a positive index value for Hsv 1, IgG and Hsv - 2, IgG while both Hsv 1 and 2 were negative for IgM antibodies.
The test indicates that you have both types of Hsv , 1 and 2, and it is most likely an older infection and not a recently acquired one. IgM type of antibody is representative of a recent infection whereas IgG indicates an old/ past infection.
In case you develop sores (oral or genital) I would suggest treatment with an antiviral i.e either valacyclovir Or acyclovir for a week. These are prescription medications and you must talk to your doctor for the needful.
The episodes may recur and if they are far and few in between, each of these individual episodes can be treated similarly i.e oral antiviral for a week, however, if the episodes are frequent e.g once a month Or >9 episodes of sores in an year Or are very painful/ discomforting and affecting quality of life, there is a case for a continuous suppressive therapy with Oral antivirals for year.
If and whenever, you develop an epsides of sores, you must avoid sexual contact, as there is a high risk of sexual transmission during active episodes of herpes. The risk is lower at other times during asymptomatic periods.
Besides, you must always use a condom, consistently and regularly, in order to reduce the risk of transmission to your sexual partner.
Regards
Positive for hsv 1 and 2; precautions, advice and what to expect
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am Dr. Kakkar (MD Dermatology and STDs). I have read your query and I have also reviewed the attachments.
The test report shows a positive index value for Hsv 1, IgG and Hsv - 2, IgG while both Hsv 1 and 2 were negative for IgM antibodies.
The test indicates that you have both types of Hsv , 1 and 2, and it is most likely an older infection and not a recently acquired one. IgM type of antibody is representative of a recent infection whereas IgG indicates an old/ past infection.
In case you develop sores (oral or genital) I would suggest treatment with an antiviral i.e either valacyclovir Or acyclovir for a week. These are prescription medications and you must talk to your doctor for the needful.
The episodes may recur and if they are far and few in between, each of these individual episodes can be treated similarly i.e oral antiviral for a week, however, if the episodes are frequent e.g once a month Or >9 episodes of sores in an year Or are very painful/ discomforting and affecting quality of life, there is a case for a continuous suppressive therapy with Oral antivirals for year.
If and whenever, you develop an epsides of sores, you must avoid sexual contact, as there is a high risk of sexual transmission during active episodes of herpes. The risk is lower at other times during asymptomatic periods.
Besides, you must always use a condom, consistently and regularly, in order to reduce the risk of transmission to your sexual partner.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
what about marriage and risks of transmission to wife and children?
also how would I transmit to people in everyday life? like touching or skin to skin normal hand touching, kissing On cheeks, etc..
Does it have risk On my life?
is it same as zestor?
also how would I transmit to people in everyday life? like touching or skin to skin normal hand touching, kissing On cheeks, etc..
Does it have risk On my life?
is it same as zestor?
Brief Answer:
Herpes virus only spreads by direct close contact.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Only direct sexual contact carries a risk of transmission to wife. Children don't have a risk of acquiring the infection from you.
Touching or sharing inanimate objects like glass, water bottles or drinking through the same glass, shairng towels etc are not fraught with any risk of transmission.
Using a condom, regularly would reduce the risk of transmission of herpes to your wife but does not eliminate it entirely. Other factors like active sores of herpes and frequent episodes are associated with a higher risk of transmission to your sexual partner/ wife.
The chances of transmission are much less during asymptomatic phases.
Herpes is not a life threatening infection. It is the commonest STD in sexual active young adults with a prevalance rate of as high as 50% in this age group.
Herpes simplex is different from herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is caused by varicella zoster virus; the same virus which cause chicken pox in childhood, whereas herpes simplex is cause by herpes simplex virus, type 1 and 2.
Regards
Herpes virus only spreads by direct close contact.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Only direct sexual contact carries a risk of transmission to wife. Children don't have a risk of acquiring the infection from you.
Touching or sharing inanimate objects like glass, water bottles or drinking through the same glass, shairng towels etc are not fraught with any risk of transmission.
Using a condom, regularly would reduce the risk of transmission of herpes to your wife but does not eliminate it entirely. Other factors like active sores of herpes and frequent episodes are associated with a higher risk of transmission to your sexual partner/ wife.
The chances of transmission are much less during asymptomatic phases.
Herpes is not a life threatening infection. It is the commonest STD in sexual active young adults with a prevalance rate of as high as 50% in this age group.
Herpes simplex is different from herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is caused by varicella zoster virus; the same virus which cause chicken pox in childhood, whereas herpes simplex is cause by herpes simplex virus, type 1 and 2.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
should I see my doctor for consultation now or only if I have eruption of sores?
what symptoms should I look for or expect to have that would indicate I need treatment? where would the sores show up? any other signs? pain? itching in different body parts?
what symptoms should I look for or expect to have that would indicate I need treatment? where would the sores show up? any other signs? pain? itching in different body parts?
Brief Answer:
Herpes usually presents with Oral Or genital sores
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
You should discuss the report with your doctor though this is not an urgent requirement since presently you don't have sores.
Herpes usualy present with Oral-labial (commonly hsv type 1) Or genital sores (commonly hsv type 2), not elsewhere on body. The sores in herpes are usually multiple, superficial erosions/ breaks in skin, 2-4 mm in size. They may be associated with pain and burning sensation; symptoms may be mild or severe. Presence of sores is a sign that you need antiviral treatment.
Regards
Herpes usually presents with Oral Or genital sores
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
You should discuss the report with your doctor though this is not an urgent requirement since presently you don't have sores.
Herpes usualy present with Oral-labial (commonly hsv type 1) Or genital sores (commonly hsv type 2), not elsewhere on body. The sores in herpes are usually multiple, superficial erosions/ breaks in skin, 2-4 mm in size. They may be associated with pain and burning sensation; symptoms may be mild or severe. Presence of sores is a sign that you need antiviral treatment.
Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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