Am I a carrier of HSV-1?

[Hooliganz]

On my HSV 1 IGG Type Specific AB, I received a 3.67 "out of range"
score on an index of below .90 neg, .9-1.1 equivocal, and 1.1+ pos.

My sheet states "A single positive result only indicates previous
immunologic exposure and the level of antibody response may not be
used to determine active infection or disease stage."

My doctor says that I once must had the HSV-1 as a child or something
and it's still "hanging around."

I've never had a cold sore (to my memory). I've never had any kind of
sore on my genitals.

No one to my knowledge has ever contracted any kind of sore from me,
either.

Am I carrying HSV-1 (for sure)? Should I be concerned about
transmitting it?

Thanks.

[red.dotsph...@yahoo.com]

Yes. You should be concerned about transmitting the virus via
asymptomatic shedding. You can also pass it genitally (while
shedding) if you perform oral sex on a partner. Also, visit
www.herpesisnormal.com for more information.

[alfred]

> My sheet states "A single positive result only indicates previous
> immunologic exposure and the level of antibody response may not be
> used to determine active infection or disease stage."

I don't know that there is a "level" of antibody that shows what stage you
are in, you either have it or don't. Since your reading was 3.67 I would
have to say you have it. The other thing is some tests are not as reliable.
There are false negatives but almost never false positives.

> My doctor says that I once must had the HSV-1 as a child or something
> and it's still "hanging around."

You're doctor is not with the program, once you get herpes, even as a child
you always have it in your body. Whether or not you still get cold sores or
any symptoms is another story.

> I've never had a cold sore (to my memory). I've never had any kind of
> sore on my genitals.

I don't get cold sores either, but once in a while I get a tingly burning
sensation on the upper left lip and the nearby skin gets red for a day or
two, thats still the same thing. I have genital herpes also, and don't
really get what would be called the classic text book outbreaks, but I still
get outbreaks. Herpes is different for everyone.

> No one to my knowledge has ever contracted any kind of sore from me,
> either.

How do you know that for sure?

> Am I carrying HSV-1 (for sure)? Should I be concerned about
> transmitting it?

I wouldn't be that concerned. Just use common sense. If you feel you are
getting an outbreak oral or genital, limit or stop contact that could result
in transmission.

Good luck,
and Happy Easter!

Al