Re: Questions about hvs2

The virus can be passed from one person to another during oral, anal, or vaginal sex, even if the person with herpes has no visible ulcers or sores.

It is also possible to have a recurrence many years (20 to 40 years) after the initial HSV infection was acquired. This type of delayed herpes outbreak can be especially distressing for those who never had symptoms during the initial infection, and it may cause concern about the sexual activities of past or present sexual partner(s).

Culture test — A culture test determines if herpes simplex virus is present on the skin and in secretions from the urinary and genital tracts. This is the test most commonly used to diagnose genital herpes; however, this test detects the virus in only about 50 percent of individuals with genital ulcers. The culture test is more likely to detect the virus when ulcers are new and open, as compared to when they are older and healing.

What test did he have?

Blood test — Blood tests are often used when a person believes he or she may have been exposed to the herpes virus in the past, but has no visible ulcers.
Because the antibody response takes time, the results of this test may be negative during the first episode of genital herpes. Within three to four months after an initial episode.


Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test — The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is a very sensitive test for identifying the herpes virus in cells and secretions from the urinary and genital tracts. The PCR test is more sensitive than the culture test, but is not routinely used due to it's higher cost.


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