Thank you for the info. Also- if I was testing positive 10 years ago or so for HSV1....then I wouldn't have just picked this up genitally, right?
Once infected with HSV1 I wouldn't get it from a partner if he had it on his penis during intercourse, because I already have the virus right? Or could I be infected gentially after having it already (presumably orally)?
No, if someone with oral hsv1 performs oral on you, they won't be at risk.
However, generally speaking, people won't be at any real risk from sexual contact with you anyway. Ghsv1 doesn't shed often, doesn't recur frequently, which means it doesn't usually transmit.
Shedding rates: (and you can find all this in the herpes handbook - https://westoverheights.com/herpes/the-updated-herpes-handbook/)
HSV 2 genital 15-30% of days evaluated
HSV 1 genital 3-5% of days evaluated
HSV 1 oral 25% of days evaluated
HSV 2 oral 1% of days evaluated
We also know now that if you've had ghsv1 for more than 2 years, you are probably shedding about 4 days a year.
So for transmission rates. We don't know the exact transmission rates for ghsv1, but here are the rates for ghsv2, and if your math is better than mine, maybe you can extrapolate some figures.
Ghsv2 transmission, female to male, over the course of a year, assuming sex 2-3 times a week:
Only avoiding sex during an outbreak - 4-5%
Adding condoms OR daily suppression - 2-3%
Adding condoms AND daily suppression - 1-2%
Herpes generally doesn't go from the genitals to the mouth like it does from the mouth to the genitals. It's not to say it can't happen, but it's pretty rare.
I tested positive for HSV1 about 10 years ago after my marriage. I wasn't tested prior to that so not sure of my status. My ex husband used to get cold sores so I assume I got it from him...
If someone with oral HSV1 performs oral on me they won't be at risk, right?
I'm not fighting any illnesses that I know of. I guess underlying stress of everything... but I wasn't feeling run down when this started.
Hi Auntie Jessi - I got my PCR results back and it turns out that the sores were positive for HSV1.
I have tested positive for years for HSV 1, never having a cold sore, never having a genital outbreak (that I know of)
I am confused about my diagnosis - can you clarify some things for me?
Obviously a blood test is not site specific...
But my outbreak coming 20 years after infection is just plain crazy to me! I have a full on outbreak in the works. Body aches, muscle soreness, sores, headache you name it.
Could this be that I just obtained HSV1 genitally now? I think I saw somewhere that once you have it you can't get it in another spot. Is this accurate? Or is it more likely that I have had HSV1 all this time genitally never having a known outbreak?
If no- I have had it for years genitally and never have known.
I have read that herpes1 genital outbreaks are typically less severe than HSV2 outbreaks. Can you give me some info on that
Even though it doesn't matter where I got it at this point-
Do you think it is more likely that I got this from the protected encounter on December 4- as the first time I had lesions was Dec 27? Even though they were pink patches and went away?
Or do you think I got this from my partner that most certain has it- November 9/10 unprotected and came up negative on the blood test twice: 12/24, and then february 7?
Its just all so weird that NO antibodies showed on the test. Or is that due to the fact that the test is only 92% accurate as you mentioned?
From the start means from time of infection (or time of symptoms) till the time you tested. That can sometimes prevent your body from making antibodies. That doesn't apply to you.
Even factoring in your hsv1 status, the 6 week test is 70% accurate.
I'm super happy to hear you are seeing your therapist, and thank you for your kind words. :)
Aunt Jessie- So Im replying here as my other thread was closed.... I went to get my thigh checked doctor didn't swab anything the red bumps weren't there anymore but the nerve pain still is. Doctor checked me for any other potential issues- outbreak- and I looked fine. I did get the news that my pap came back with HPV strain 18. Doctor is scheduling biopsy for next week. Wish I could catch a break.
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It's not closed?
Anyway, as I said, and I think Terri said, taking Valtrex for a week at 6 weeks wouldn't affect anything. The only time it could affect something is if you were on it from the start, and on it continually.
I'm glad that whatever the bumps were, they're gone. That means it's not herpes. Herpes sores last a week, not just a day or so.
Nerve pain from herpes - which isn't all that common - happens after an outbreak, which you haven't had for sure, and isn't localized to one spot.
I understand why this has messed with your mind - your ex was a jerk who wasn't upfront with you, and has acted like an ass when you've tried talking to him about it, and won't test. That doesn't change the science behind it, though. The chances that you got it are so low, and your symptoms don't sound like herpes. Your 6 week test is a really good sign that you didn't get it.
I also understand just needing a freaking break. I'm going through my own medical stuff, and it feels like every test is showing new and different crap. It's frustrating and scary. You're going to be okay, though. Don't hesitate to reach out for help, either. Therapy is an awesome thing.
I would also like to add that my partner's ex girlfriend is HSV positive.