HSV 1 IGG levels are higher than the test detection limit?

[americanamadan]

Hi all, 

I've had HSV-1 for basically my entire life. When I was a kid I would get a few outbreaks a year. Once I reached my 20s they became far less frequent, one maybe every 18 months or so. I use lysine but inconsistently and have a 800mg acyclovir prescription which I only use in emergencies or when a cold sore is coming on.  

So, I'm 27 now and had a huge outbreak about 2 months ago. 3 cold sores in a row. Granted, a very stressful time in my life (graduate school, travelling internationally to see family, etc.) but still never an outbreak like that before. I go in for a routine STD screening that was long overdue, and no surprise that I'm HSV-1 positive (thankfully negative for everything else) but my IGG levels were >58.0. I thought well it's probably because of an active/recent outbreak. So I went back in 6 weeks later for another screening (thankfully nothing else but HSV-1!) but alas, IGG levels are still >58.0. 

It's really hard to find info online about what IGG levels mean, and whether it's a good thing or a bad thing. It's just a bit striking to see them so high. My doctor said it's nothing to worry about but I regret not pressing her more on it. Some sites say high IGG shows a strong response to the virus, while others say there may be an immune problem. 

[mr_hopp]

Hey there @americanamadan!

Navigating the world of herpes can be a bit perplexing, especially when it comes to those IGG levels. IGG levels can vary from person to person, and they can change over time. High IGG levels often indicate a strong immune response to the virus, which is generally a good thing. It means your body is working hard to keep the virus in check.

However, in some cases, consistently high IGG levels might warrant further investigation. It could be due to factors like a recent outbreak or a particularly active immune response, which might not necessarily indicate an issue. Stress, illness, and even diet can influence these levels.

If your doctor isn't overly concerned, that's generally a positive sign. But if you're still worried or if these high levels persist, consider discussing it with a specialist like Terri Warren. They can provide a more detailed evaluation and help address any lingering questions or concerns.

Remember, your body has been handling this virus for quite a while, and while it might throw the occasional curveball, you've got a pretty resilient immune system on your side. Keep managing your outbreaks as you have been, and don't hesitate to reach out to a specialist for further peace of mind. 😊