Question 1

how can someone know if they are shedding if they only get cold sores not very.often. and my test came back i had 1 and 2?

Accepted Answer

HSV : It is well known that persons can shed the hsv virus when there are no signs of infection. 

Therefore, there is no way of knowing when one is shedding the virus, which can be contagious to others.

Question 2

i don't test positive for herpes but i have always gotten cold sores since i was little, why? maybe once every other, sometimes not for several years.

Accepted Answer

Need more informatio: You are having cold sores which are nothing but hsv infection. Mostly it is a clinical diagnosis as the available test do not have 100 percent accuracy.

Question 3

if i got cold sores as a kid but not as an adult can i still test positive for hsv1 ?

Accepted Answer

: Yes. If you ever had them you may test positive.

Question 4

how common is herpes 1? and if you get cold sores does that mean you have herpes 1 and will it show up on a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Oral herpes: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) infection is extremely common; up to half of all people in the US have it. Most infections cause few or no symptoms, but many get recurrent oral herpes ("cold sores", usually blister- or pimple-like, usually on lips, around nose, etc). Canker sores in the mouth are not cold sores and not herpes. A blood test can detect HSV1, but it's not perfect -- misses 30%.

Question 5

how accurate is a blood test for determining if you have cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Not very helpful: Cold sores are found on physical exam.  Sometimes testing for viral infection s can give a specific cause, but doesn't change the treatments very much.  See your doctor.

Question 6

my boyfriend always gets cold sores below his lip, i did a herpes test and i don't have it, are cold sores always caused by herpes? if not, what?

Accepted Answer

Oral herpes: Probaby your bf has oral herpes (cold sores). It is always caused by herpes simplex virus, usually type 1 (HSV1). Herpes isn&#x27;t so easily transmitted; many partners don&#x27;t catch it. But play it safe: if you have neg HSV1 blood test, he shouldn&#x27;t kiss or perform oral sex on you during an outbreak. Transmission might still occur, but not likely; and easily treated if it happens and start Rx early.

Question 7

if my parents get cold sores all the time does that mean they will test positive for hsv 1?

Accepted Answer

: Probably, yes. However, the blood tests are negative in about one third of people with HSV1, so a negative test will not prove they don't have it.

Question 8

i have had some cold sores appear right under my belly button, what can be the cause of this? they are various cold sores letting out liquid and blood

Accepted Answer

May be Herpes Simple: You should have it checked, it may be herpes simplex or it could be a bacterial skin infection or an allergic reaction to an insect bite. Meanwhile do not try to squeeze or puncture these cold sores as they may spread. The doctor might take a culture from the the liquid coming out of the sores and treat you with antibiotics if indicated.

Question 9

hi doctor my doctor just called me friday and told me i have herpes not genital herpes he said the one that give me cold sores.. is the test always a?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There are two distinct viruses of the Herpes family. Herpes Simplex Type 1 and Type 2. When I was in medical school the teaching was that one was above the belt and one was below the belt. With more oral sexual activity that rule no longer applies. The test is quite accurate and the treatment is the same. The rule is know your partner!

Question 10

is an igg  hsv test conclusive at 16 weeks? i've taken episodic treatment valtrex for cold sores so i'm positive for hsv1 but was neg for hsv 2 at 16 weeks. is that conclusive or would episodic (not suppressive treatment) valtrex affect my results?

Accepted Answer

: Hi:
HSV2 IgG should show up by 7 weeks at the latest, so if it is negative for 4 month after the exposure, it's very likely that it will remain negative.  IgG indicate if you have past infection or not, and taking medication for the infection will not affect the result.
If you have more questions or are still concerned, you are welcome to schedule an appointment with me.
Take care.

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Doctor answers about:

Tests for cold sores on bellybutton

A member asked:

How can someone know if they are shedding if they only get cold sores not very.often. and my test came back i had 1 and 2?

A member asked:

I don't test positive for herpes but i have always gotten cold sores since i was little, why? maybe once every other, sometimes not for several years.

A member asked:

If i got cold sores as a kid but not as an adult can i still test positive for hsv1 ?

A member asked:

How common is herpes 1? and if you get cold sores does that mean you have herpes 1 and will it show up on a blood test?

A member asked:

How accurate is a blood test for determining if you have cold sores?

A member asked:

My boyfriend always gets cold sores below his lip, i did a herpes test and i don't have it, are cold sores always caused by herpes? if not, what?

A member asked:

If my parents get cold sores all the time does that mean they will test positive for hsv 1?

A member asked:

I have had some cold sores appear right under my belly button, what can be the cause of this? they are various cold sores letting out liquid and blood

A member asked:

Hi doctor my doctor just called me friday and told me i have herpes not genital herpes he said the one that give me cold sores.. is the test always a?

A member asked:

Is an igg hsv test conclusive at 16 weeks? i've taken episodic treatment valtrex for cold sores so i'm positive for hsv1 but was neg for hsv 2 at 16 weeks. is that conclusive or would episodic (not suppressive treatment) valtrex affect my results?

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