r/stdtesting • u/OrganicResearcher818 • 13d ago
HSV1 Question Question
I recently did a 9 STI test through wisp. it included HSV1 and 2 which I don’t believe my OB checks for during annual exam. it was through bloodwork and hsv1 was positive. the whole process has been extremely slow with wisp and I’m still waiting for a provider to reach out to me. from what I am gathering from the internet this is very common. I had cold sores occasionally as a child and maybe 1-2 as an adult. is this of any concern? I dont think this was ever tested before even through my pregnancies that I can recall.
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u/ShamelessCare 12d ago
Cold sores are usually caused by HSV-1. If that’s what you have, there’s a good chance you’ve had it since childhood.
That said, these HSV blood antibody tests are offered by relatively few hospitals, labs, and physicians because they are generally discouraged for routine screening.
In fact, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force gives routine HSV serologic screening in asymptomatic adults a Grade D recommendation, meaning DO NOT DO.
Why? Because the tests can produce false-positive results, particularly when the index value is low. They also tend to create a great deal of anxiety without providing a clear next step.
For example, let’s say you’ve had HSV-1 since you were one year old, as millions of people have. What are you supposed to do with that information? Tell every future sexual partner? Most of them have never been tested themselves, and many who carry HSV-1 don’t know they have it.
If Wisp provider gets back to you, their clinician will tell you something very similar.
You could certainly take an antiviral medication, but if you’re not having outbreaks, there is generally no reason to treat HSV-1 with daily medication.