Difference between hsv 1 and 2

[lonelystargirl]

Back in 2018 I was diagnosed with hsv2 through a swab test. Once i was back sexually active i got a blood test and it was still hsv2. Now i am having unprotected sex with my partner we both got tested. Mine came back hsv1 and so did his. So did i never have hsv2. My understanding was hsv1 referred to cold sores and hsv2 was genital area which is where my initial  outbreak occurred. I have never had cold sores around or in my mouth or throat. I am confused! Can someone clarify?

[mr_hopp]

Get a western blot test to get a definitive result. Swab tests are accurate, so you probably have HSV-2 and your most recent blood test is probably a false positive (was it an IgG?). That's what I'd guess based on what you've said here. And your understanding of HSV1 and HSV2 is a bit off. It's more complicated than that since both strains can be found either orally or genitally, in varying numbers. Around 1/2 of all new genital herpes cases these days, for example, are genital HSV-1 due to giving oral sex while having an oral HSV-1 outbreak (cold sores). Here's a breakdown: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/hsv-1-hsv-2-the-two-types-of-herpes

... and you can download the handouts for free that summarize all the facts here: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook