so apparently my way of coping with my newly diagnosed genital HSV-1 (via swab) condition is to gather as many facts as I can. I guess I should be grateful that i got genital HSV-1 rather than genital HSV-2, but still it's a blow to my ego and very frustrating. Anyways, I know there's nothing I can do about it now so I have to accept the facts. However, I do have a few questions and would like someone more knowledgeable than me to check some of the "facts" I found online.
1. Shedding rates without symptoms occur about 3.5% of the days in a year (only a handful) - the virus can be transferred during this time.
2. (I don't know if this one is accurate) - only 25% of people with genital HSV-1 shed AT ALL in the absence of symptoms
3. if someone already has oral HSV-1, they are much less likely to acquire my genital HSV-1.
4. due to the low rates of shedding, it is also unlikely to give give someone oral HSV-1 from them performing oral sex on me. However, it is still possible.
5. Most people with genital HSV-1 have few, if any outbreaks after the initial episode. Recurring outbreaks for genital HSV-1 only account for 2-5% of total recurring genital outbreaks (between both HSV-1 and 2)
6. It is now more difficult for me to acquire genital HSV-2, although it is still possible
7. Supplements that can help boost my resistance to future outbreaks - daily - 1000mg vitamin C, 50mg zinc, 1000mg lysine
8. 1 out of 6 people have genital herpes in the US
Questions I have:
1. If I have unprotected sex with someone who has oral HSV-1, what is their chance of acquiring genital HSV-1 from me?
2. Can I still get oral HSV-1?
3. what is the overall likelihood that if I have unprotected sex with someone they will get my genital HSV-1 During a period of shedding? (I'm male and I'm straight)
sorry for the long post, thanks for reading. I just want to know my limitations. I really enjoy having unprotected sex with a monogamous partner. I would obviously tell them before about the risks, I just want to be knowledgable when I have the conversations.