cold sores and std tests
 

I have gotten cold sores since I was a kid. However I rarely break out, only a few times in the last 10 years and its never severe. Also I have never had any sign of anything on my genitals. So I'm curious, if I was to do an STD test, will it show that I have herpes?

Well, first, based on how you're asking the question it sounds like you're hoping it won't. If that's the case, you've got entirely the wrong attitude. An STD test is worthless if you're hoping to game the system so that it seems you aren't infected with something when you actually are.

Assuming that you are actually getting cold sores and not canker sores (they are sometimes confused), then you are infected with HSV-1 and it can be passed on to your partners - including on their genitals - if you are sexually active during or around the time of an outbreak.

Regardless of what the test says on paper, you should be telling partners that you are infected. It's not a terribly big deal - something like 75% of the population has HSV-1 - but those who aren't already infected certainly deserve to know there is a risk they may get it.

The blood test for herpes infections will show whether you have been exposed to the herpes virus (by detecting antibodies - I or II). Since so many people have the antibodies, this test is usually not performed in a standard STD work-up. If that's what you're worried about. But, like smeth said, you should always tell prospective partners because HSV I can be spread through sexual contact and without your being aware that your HSV I is 'shedding virus.'

What strain does the vaccine protect against?

There is no vaccine for HSV, perhaps you are thinking of HPV?

There is a vaccine that protects against shingles (subsequent chicken pox outbreaks later in life), but not a vaccine that I know of for HSV-1 & 2.

That was it. Off by one letter. I guess that is why I'm not a doctor.
They need to start working on a vaccine for Herpes though.