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A 33-year-old female asked:
My husband and kids have been possibly in contact with cold sore virus. i kissed them plenty of times over the years and recently just before a cold sore appeared. how accurate is herpes simplex virus antibody test two days after exposure?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
At least half of all people acquire HSV1, so such exposures are nothing special or worrisome. The HSV blood test takes up to 12 weeks to become positive, and is never a way to diagnose newly acquired herpes. In a family situation like this, blood tests should not be necessary. If there are typical cold sore outbreaks, that's enough to be sure of the diagnosis. Or see a doctor for confirmation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Feb 09, 2022
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Your family likely has been exposed to your virus many times. More than half of the "normal" population has been infected with HSV 1 and the only manifestation they have are occasional cold sores. Testing for HSV 1 is not warranted.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Feb 28, 2022
Related questions
A 33-year-old female asked:
I get mixed information. Once someone contracted Herpes simplex 1(cold sore virus) when will their first sore appear? Will 2 weeks with no sore mean they're in the clear?
Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
Many HSV1 infections never cause any outbreaks or other symptoms. When symptoms do occur, usually they begin 2-5 days after exposure, although on rare... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Feb 28, 2022
View all answers
A 37-year-old member asked:
Cold sore = herpes simplex virus 1?
Dr. Richard Leadermananswered
Periodontics 51 years experience
Eat Yogurt: Herpes simplex virus is when you get little cold sores on the outside of your mouth or the tip of your nose.
Try not to touch the cold sore, you coul... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mehul SHETH commented
Pediatrics 20 years experience
HSV1 is typically above the waist and HSV-2 below.
Jul 17, 2012
A 35-year-old member asked:
What leads to cold sore, herpes simplex virus?
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Yes: An estimated 80% of americans have been exposed to herpes simplex virus type 1. However, not all of those people will get cold sores. It depends on y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan commented
Dermatology 59 years experience
herpes recurrent episodes are on lip, not gum or palate
Jan 16, 2014
A 28-year-old female asked:
Can my baby get herpes simplex from her head being in close proximity to a cold sore? Also, how long can the virus live on skin?
Dr. Addagada Raoanswered
General Surgery 58 years experience
Yes possible: Herpes ( simplex ) is contagious disease , possible to get infected by constant contact . Once infected will stay in the body for ever.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
View all answers
A 45-year-old member asked:
Is it possible to give someone else herpes simplex virus if you don't have a cold sore?
Dr. Clarence Lyonsanswered
Family Medicine 22 years experience
Yes: The virus can be shed without the lesion being present.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 28, 2022
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