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Please, Health Me!? · Herpes episode resource

Positive herpes test? Read your number first.

A blood test that says "positive" doesn't always mean what you think. Enter the number from your result to see where it lands, then take the questions with you to your provider.

Nothing you type here is saved or sent anywhere. It stays on your screen.

This page is for education and doesn't diagnose anything. Talk with your provider about your own results.

Which type came back positive?
Look for a number next to "HSV-1 IgG" or "HSV-2 IgG" on your lab report or patient portal. The test is usually called an HSV EIA.Showing an example: 1.5
Have you ever had symptoms?Tingling or burning, then red bumps, blisters, and scabs.
1.50Positive, low index

Drag the number marker to adjust, or enter your exact index value.

NegativeUnclearPositive, low indexPositive

Your lab calls 1.1 to 3 positive, but studies have shown false positive rates around 60% in this range.

An HSV-1 blood test can’t tell where on your body you have it or when you got it. Many people get it as kids from close contact, like a family member’s kiss or shared utensils. It can also come from oral sex as an adult.

You’ve never had symptoms. Rebecca called this the hardest situation: these tests are less reliable in people without symptoms, which is why the CDC and USPSTF don’t recommend testing people who have none. Up to 80–90% of people with genital herpes don’t know they have it, so there’s no blame game here.

Take these questions to your provider

These update with your answers above.

  1. My HSV-1 index was 1.50. What does that number mean for me?
  2. Is my number in the range where false positives are common?
  3. What should I tell my partner?

Is it actually herpes? Know the pattern.

Herpes follows a clear path. Without antiviral medicine, it takes about 10 to 14 days.

Remember the houseguest from the episode? The virus lives quietly in your attic (your nerves), and an outbreak is its trip downstairs. It takes the same route every time.

  1. Tingling or burningIn the spot that's about to break out.
    Footsteps on the stairs.
  2. Red bumpsBumps show up in that area.
    They've made it to the living room.
  3. BlistersAlternating painful and itchy.
    Full-on party. Loud and messy.
  4. Break, dry, scabThe blisters break and the area scabs over.
    Cleanup, then back up to the attic.

If your symptoms follow these steps, tell your provider exactly that: "Here's what happened, in this order. Could this be herpes?"

Mini conversation card

Telling a new partner

Fill in a few details and you'll get a starting point in plain words. Change it so it sounds like you.

What you do to lower the risk
What you might say

Before things go any further, I want to tell you something. I have herpes, HSV-1. I’ve had it for about two years, and I get outbreaks rarely. It’s really common, and most people who have it don’t even know. There are things we can do together to lower the chance of passing it on. Ask me anything you want, and take whatever time you need.

  • Tell them early, before things get sexual.
  • Share the type, how long you've had it, and how often you have outbreaks.
  • If you're calm and caring, they usually respond the same way.
  • Lots of people answer, "I'm positive too," and are relieved you brought it up first.