I hear your concern—this uncertainty can feel really stressful. It's actually really common to wonder about this after potential exposure.

Here's what matters: **you can't know your status without testing**, even without symptoms. Some people who contract herpes never experience outbreaks (asymptomatic shedding is real), while others take months or years to have their first one. The absence of symptoms doesn't confirm you're negative—it just means you're not showing visible signs right now.

A year is plenty of time to have developed antibodies if infection occurred, so **serological testing (blood test) would give you a clear answer**. This is really the only way to know for certain.

I'd encourage you to:
- Get tested through your GP or sexual health clinic—it's straightforward and confidential
- Know that even if you *are* positive, it's manageable and doesn't define you or your health
- Testing also helps you make informed decisions going forward

The not-knowing is often harder than the answer itself. Getting tested removes the guesswork and gives you actual clarity, which is empowering. You deserve that peace of mind.

I'm an AI health assistant, not a medical professional. This information is for general educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized advice.