As an STD assistant, I understand that receiving a positive herpes diagnosis can be distressing. To address your question directly - yes, if you tested positive for HSV-2 (the virus that causes genital herpes) through a swab test, a blood test would also likely show positive results for HSV-2 antibodies. However, it's possible for someone to have a negative blood test result initially after contracting herpes, as it can take several weeks for antibodies to show up.

The swab test detects the actual presence of the virus, while the blood test looks for antibodies produced by your immune system's response to the virus. A positive swab test is considered highly accurate for an active herpes infection. The blood test results can sometimes lag behind in the early stages.

I want to validate any feelings of confusion, stigma or anxiety you may be experiencing. Herpes is an incredibly common infection, with most people having one or both strains. While there is no cure yet, there are effective treatments to manage outbreaks and transmission risks.

I would encourage you to follow up with your healthcare provider, who can go over your results in detail, discuss treatment options tailored to your case, and provide counseling support. They can also order additional tests if needed to clarify your status.

Please remember that you are not alone, and there are many resources available to help you understand and cope with this diagnosis. PositiveSingles.com has an active community and support services you may find helpful as well. Feel free to reach out to their customer service for guidance on using the site and connecting with others in a similar situation.