Living with Oral Herpes

[JoseReynolds]

Hi,

I recently got infected by HSV1 (Oral herpes) from a friend. We used the same straw for a drink.
1. Is it a very serious disease ?
2. Can i compare it with VZV (ChickenPox)  or is it a more serious than VZV?
3. I am getting married next year but i am scared if i can pass this disease to my wife and other family members.


Please comment.

Thanks,
Jose

[gracefromHHP]

Actually the US and the UK have some of the LOWEST rates of hsv1 oral infection.  Depending on where you are at, depends on the rate of oral infection but most other countries are higher.

Even the best herpes blood tests we have today still miss 1 out of every 10 hsv1 infections. A negative result isn't always negative.

grace

[JoseReynolds]

Thanks Grace!

In many developing coutries, Cold Sores are not that common as in US, UK. I was tested + using the Focus Technologies’ HerpeSelect® 1 ELISA IgG tests and I was tested -ve few months back.

I am just courious to know if herpes simples 1(HSV1) and herpes zoster(HHV3 or VZV) belong to the same family, then why is Cold Sores (HSV1) called Herpes and VZV is known as chicken pox or any other disease it causes?

I believe i do not have any other disease and I am trying to figure out how should i live with it. If someone has chickenpox the infected member does not leave the family and live together. But if someone has HSV1, it is not considered as a common viral infection and with so many special websites on herpes like herpesdating etc, i feel it's a big disease and it's my responsibility not to spread it to others.

Please Comment.

Regards,
Jose

[gracefromHHP]

If you had a hsv1igg that was + then this isn't a newly acquired oral herpes infection for you.  About 1/3 of us in the US contract hsv1 orally before we ever step foot into public schools. Even if you can't recall a history of cold sores, chances are good that you got it before now.

the reason I specifically asked what your symptoms are is because - as adults - it's incredibly unlikely that you'll contract hsv1 orally from sharing a straw with a friend. This sounds far more like you just have a viral illness that has caused chapped lips and the other symptoms ( chapped lips aren't herpes anyways ).  

No - in adults who are otherwise well oral herpes is not a serious disease. Not very many of us make it to the old age home without it.  It's incredibly common.  

chicken pox and herpes simplex virus are completely different.

If you are concerned about hsv1 in your relationship with your intended - she can get tested for hsv too to see what her status is.

grace

[JoseReynolds]

My symptoms: chapped lips, fatigue, swollen glands and a burning sensation on face

My doctor advised for few blood tests and I was tested positive for HSV1 and believe it's a primary infection. No cold sores yet.

1. Is it a very serious disease ?
2. Can i compare it with VZV (Chickenpox) or is it a more serious than VZV?
3. I am getting married next year but i am scared if i can pass this disease to my wife and other family members.


Please comment.

Thanks,
Jose

[gracefromHHP]

did you have obvious cold sores?

grace