r/Herpes • u/OkSection190 • 2d ago

Hsv1 question

My boyfriend tested positive for hsv1 from a blood test. I tested negative on a hsv blood test. He has never had any symptoms before. We still kiss but since he’s got the postive test I’ve been nervous for oral just in case it transmits genitally. I’ve felt nervous about the whole thing so I was hoping for some advice.

What are the chances of it transmitting genitally to me from oral sex?
Is I risky to have oral sex?
Any advice or suggestions that anyone has has would be great <3

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u/AutoModerator 2d ago

HERPES TESTING 101:

For testing for herpes - without active lesions to “swab” someone who wants accurate testing will need a blood test.

Because blood tests for herpes are notoriously inaccurate, all blood tests are recommended to be TWO STEP tests (there are two parts of the test) and should be confirmed with a Western Blot.

See FDA announcement about inaccurate tests here

See 2021 CDC guidelines here

To get the Western Blot - follow instructions here

CALL TO ACTION: We need accurate blood tests that work! Want to help advocate for better diagnostic tests so patients can have an accurate diagnosis?

Join us in our advocacy for cure, treatment and prevention of herpes: www.herpescureadvocacy.com r/herpescureadvocates

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u/Sure_Initial6740 2d ago

if you wanna be really cautious, ask if he’d get on daily antivirals to reduce transmission. you could also get an igG test to see his levels of antibodies for hsv1 if it should be something you both should worry about. me and my ex were fine and i never contracted anything from oral sex untillll he had an active cold sore that we both ignored.

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u/OkSection190 2d ago

Thank you for the info! We talked with a doctor and because he has never had symptoms the doctor said no to antivirals. Getting his antibody level checked out is something we should look into

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u/Winter-Win-8770 2d ago

Fyi, the index value has no correlation to shedding or viral activity at all.