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How can blood show HSV-1 IgG positive without any symptoms?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 35 year old male. I weigh 68 Kg and my height 5'5". I am in a healthy status.

History:

  • No episodes of herpes except chickenpox in childhood.
  • No infection of HIV - clinically tested every 6 months since last 7 years.
  • I am straight and only 1 relationship with spouse.
  • Both me and my spouse are not having HIV - clinically tested.
  • I had bacterial/fungal infection with pus and redness in the genital area and so blood test was done.

I recently got tested and the report is as follows:

  • HIV -ve.
  • HSV-1 IgG 4.5 +ve.
  • HSV-1 IgM 0.29 -ve.
  • HSV-2 IgG 0.45 -ve.
  • HSV-2 IgM 0.69 -ve.

HSV-1 is mostly a non-genital infection. I have not had any episode of HSV-1 type herpes in my life. I have never had HSV-1 type herpes anywhere in the body.

  • How can blood show HSV-1 IgG positive without any symptoms?
  • Doctor (dermatologist) says it is because of past infection and there is no present infection.
  • Doctor told that I should take antiviral dose Acyclovir for 20days for HSV-1 IgG past infection. 
  • Is it useful to take antiviral dose for past HSV-1 type infection? Will it reduce the IgG level in blood? 
  • Is HSV-1 IgG showing a false positive result?

Question 1 : Should I take Acyclovir medicine for HSV-1 IgG positive results? (Blood test done on 20th January 2015)

Question 2 : Should I retest for HSV-1?

Question 3 : Is HSV-1 transmitted via intercourse or sexual contacts?

Question 4: Is HSV-1 a life threatening disease?

Question 5 : Does HSV-1 positive at present means that I had infected with HSV-1 3 or 4 months back (but no symptoms at present)?

Question 6 : Various herbs like monolaurin, a coconut ingredient are proven to flush out/kill HSV-1 virus from nerves, how far is this trustworthy?

Please explain.
Answered by Dr. Meha Malhotra

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Meha Malhotra is a Dermatologist, Venereologist, and HIV specialist who completed her MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy from Gujarat University in 2012. She diagnoses and treats conditions that affect the Skin, Hair, and Nails. She also specializes in treating conditions affecting mucous membranes or the delicate tissue that lines the mouth, nose, and eyelids. She has given a fine-tune to many beautiful faces and helped her patients achieve the long-sought and chiseled features. She is currently practicing in Ahmedabad with 11 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for providing all the details.

I shall answer your questions one by one.

1. As you have mentioned that you do not have any symptoms at the moment, there is no need to take Acyclovir.

2. A repeat test can be done just for your reassurance. Chances of false positive result is there with every test due to technical errors.

3. HSV-1 is primarily not transmitted through sexual intercourse, but kissing or oral sex can cause transmission to partners.

4. Except encephalitis, HSV-1 causes no life threatening diseases.

5. A positive IgG means exposure to the virus anytime during your entire life. IgM shows present infection. You might have had a sub-clinical infection earlier, which is very common.

6. The herbs do not work and there is no data to support this.

Hope this relieves your anxiety. Take care.

Revert back to a dermatologist online for further follow up --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/dermatologist

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At September 13, 2017
Reviewed At July 2, 2024

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Meha Malhotra is a Dermatologist, Venereologist, and HIV specialist who completed her MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy from Gujarat University in 2012. She diagnoses and treats conditions that affect the Skin, Hair, and Nails. She also specializes in treating conditions affecting mucous membranes or the delicate tissue that lines the mouth, nose, and eyelids. She has given a fine-tune to many beautiful faces and helped her patients achieve the long-sought and chiseled features. She is currently practicing in Ahmedabad with 11 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Companion

HSV-1 IgG Positive Without Symptoms Companion

How it works

A positive HSV-1 IgG test can be confusing, especially if you have no symptoms. Here's what you need to know.

1

IgG
Results

2

Antiviral
Treatment

3

Test
Accuracy

4

Transmission
Routes

5

Infection
Severity

6

Herbal
Remedies

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
Dr. Meha Malhotra
Dr. Meha Malhotra

Dermatology

Consult this doctor

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Meha Malhotra is a Dermatologist, Venereologist, and HIV specialist who completed her MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy from Gujarat University in 2012. She diagnoses and treats conditions that affect the Skin, Hair, and Nails. She also specializes in treating conditions affecting mucous membranes or the delicate tissue that lines the mouth, nose, and eyelids. She has given a fine-tune to many beautiful faces and helped her patients achieve the long-sought and chiseled features. She is currently practicing in Ahmedabad with 11 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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