Aa
MedHelp.org will cease operations on May 31, 2024. It has been our pleasure to join you on your health journey for the past 30 years. For more info, click here.
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Herpes exposure versus contraction

I just got divorced and had not had sex in 5 months since my divorce.  My first time out of the gate (ironic), my partner told me about 10 days later that he had developed 2 blisters and then he tested for herpes.  HSV 2 was 11 and HSV 1 was above 60.  This just happened (so I guess I'm a little over 2 weeks or right at 2 weeks in).  My question is what are the chances or odds that I contracted from him.  I am not showing any signs, but is it possible that I might not have contracted HSV or are my hopes pretty much shot?  I know I need to wait to test, but it is driving me crazy.
Best Answer
Avatar universal
With no previous HSV infection, a new HSV infection is likely to cause symptoms within 2-10 days. You are passed that window and you didn't seem to have had symptoms.

The chances from individual encounters are very small. They could even be close to zero if condoms were used. The time from virus emerging on the skin until blisters form is well within a single day usually. Hence there is not additional risk to be assumed during the episode because of blisters emerging a few days later.

His test results indicate he has had this virus probably for a period of time.

A blood test at 12 weeks is required to be conclusive, IgG type specific for HSV1 and HSV2. Without symptoms though, I'd suggest that the already low chance was not realized.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thank you.  I will certainly follow-up with a lab test.  I took a home blood screening test that tested IgM and IgG which showed negative, but I won't completely trust that.  Even so, you comments and that screening test have at least helped me.   Thank you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh... and to add one more thing, a year ago, I had a complete panel to include HSV 1 & 2 and was negative on all (including HIV).
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community

Popular Resources
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.