question on herpes?

Question

Recently I had a scare with herpes. Here's the story.

I thought I received in on the 9th, and my symptoms started within 2 hours (on my mouth). But from what I'm told from my doctor is that it isn't possible to see new symptoms so fast...and that it would require an incubation time.

The test said I didn't acquire anything new, but I have gained the virus down the line (ie either type 1 or 2). This is the first time I recall having something like oral herpes on my mouth...although I've frequently had dry lips...and I'm wondering if they're one and the same!? Are the times I have dry lips...herpes from my youth or from kissing?

I have had no blisters down below and I'm trying to figure out if I have type 1 or type 2 on my lip...but my doctor says they're tied together....as far as the test goes. I want to be responsible and not transfer anything, but at the same time I don't want to forgo my sex life if all I have is oral herpes...which 60% of the population has to some degree.

In other words, I'm trying to figure how I should go forward with this....I'm tenative on transfering anything...but atleast on the genitals I see no sign of it actually being a problem.

What would you do?

Answer 1

There is so much confusion about what herpes really is. It is sad that so many people are given inaccurate information from their doctors.

Herpes type 1 which people often think of as cold sores, can infect both the mouth or the genitals. 30% of all new genital herpes cases are type 1. In the college age rage 70% of all new genital herpes cases are type 1. Herpes type 2 can also infect both locations, but it is much more rare orally. Only about 3-5% of oral herpes cases are type 2.

Yes, there are tests that will tell you which type you have. If your doctor will not give it to you, see another doctor. The type you have will impact how you can avoid giving it to someone else. Type 1 if you have it orally is very easily spread to another's oral or genital region. Type 2 if you have it genitally is easily spread to another's genital region, but it is not so easy to spread to another's oral region. Type 1 genitally is possible to spread to either location, but it is much less likely. Did that make sense??

Type 1 is very common. 90% of the population will catch it at some point in their lives. Type 2 currently infects about 25% of the sexually active population. So having a positive result rarely means the end of an active sex life!!

90% of those who have herpes do not know it. This is because their symptoms are so mild that they do not recognize them as herpes, or because they have no symptoms at all. So yes, it is possible that you have had this for a while.

As for testing. A culture can detect a new infection if it is caught at the right time. A blood test requires time for the antibodies to develop. Most people develop them by 12 weeks after exposure.

HTH!!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

I caught Herpes 5 years ago.... For me, it was no big deal. Having and owning herpes all depends on the person.. Some people contract Herpes and their immune sepress's it and never have an outbreak again in their life.. ( ME ) Others contract it and have outbreaks every other month.. Determine where you stand.. Good luck

Answer 5

From what I understand having oral herpes virus whether type 1 or 2 is totally different from having genital herpes.

Yes while you have an active blister you could possibly transmit the virus to someone else. But I have never heard that you can transfer oral herpes to anyone if you do not have an active blister.

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The virus is more contagious if an outbreak is present although it is possible, but less likely, for the virus to spread even if there is no sign of an outbreak or a oral herpes lesion.