Hi, what does it mean to be positive for HSV-1. I know its basically the herpes cold sore simplex, but how traumatic is this? Is it normal, common, or even something to worry about. I tested positive, but has never had a cold sore in my life. My sisters have gotten them every year around the cold season since we were kids. Could it have been contracted early in my life? I m just so paronoid and disgusted.