I've been getting cold sores for most of my life and have always practiced avoiding all contact with a partner while having an outbreak. However the girl I'm seeing now had a cold sore once and never again since. Knowing what i know about the virus leads me to believe she has it but is asymptomatic.
My question is can I trigger an outbreak by kissing her with an active sore? Or is it "safe"?
I'm negative for both hsv1 and 2, last checked in 2013, and have been cautious in the dating scene. I've been dating this girl for two months, and it definitely is not going to be serious, so I wouldn't want to catch hsv1 from her.... In the past week I noticed she had what I thought was a pimple just below her lip (center of her chin). I saw her for 3 days when it was red. I assumed it was a pimple.... Yesterday I noticed that same red spot had scabbed over, and she said that spot appears every 6 months or so... It was clear to me at that point that it's a cold sore. So for 3 days of kissing that red spot, and then 1 quick kiss with that scab yesterday, is it now a guarantee that I am infected??
Also, I got a valtrex prescription, per recommendation from the doctor. I know it wont help prevent an infection, but anything to bring up my chances, I will do. I really do not want to get hsv1, I have other health complications which lower my immune system and would make hsv1 much worse for me.
For years, I have suffered from sores around my chin area. The blisters are identical to cold sores that sometimes appear on my lip. They are painful and will eventually start to weep clear fluid. I do my best to keep the area clean to avoid any spread of infection. However, when I went to the doctor about it, she told me it was not herpes as I had thought, it was acne. Is it possible that the two conditions present as the same?
View 1 RepliesI get cold sores 3 times a year and 2 canker sores a year. Why do they hurt so much. I think it's because they are infected. Why do they last so long too ? Should you pick at the cold sores on your lips just to get the scab to heal ?
View 1 RepliesRecently found out that I have genital herpes. It's scaring me because I'm a lesbian and I feel like I will never be able to have sex again. I have a couple of questions.
I'm in a relationship with a woman, would she contract herpes by giving me oral sex when I don't have an "outbreak"? Can she contract the virus orally?
What's are the risks and probabilities?
Can you have herpes 1 in your genitals or is it only herpes 2 in your genitals. What does this really mean?
I'm just wondering what the chances are of getting genital herpes through oral sex when your partner does not have any visible outbreaks? I'm just curious, my boyfriend and I have never had cold sores, and we've only ever been sexually active with each other. It would be worrying if one of us suddenly got genital herpes in a few years time randomly, although it hasn't happened yet in the 4 years we've been together.
View 2 RepliesI've been seeing this sweet girl for a month and a half now.
I know her background pretty well, as she's a friend of a friend.
She's a shy, quiet and reserved person with no history of STDs, and has only had one sexual partner before me.
Five days ago, we kissed and had protected sex using a condom.
Last night after dinner, I noticed a tingling/slightly burning sensation on a small part of my upper lip.
It's a sensation similar to when you have really dry and chapped lips, and the skin starts to recover, except perhaps a little more intense.
I'm really paranoid about having contracted HSV-1 orally, even though I have none of the other symptoms usually associated with an outbreak.
Because I'm a germaphobe, I live my life more carefully than most others; never really come into physical, skin-on-skin contact with other people (minus handshakes and hugs), and always pay close attention to what I do whenever my skin is damaged a little from being dry or cut.
Neither she (19 years old) nor I (23) have ever had an outbreak of cold sores, but I'm aware that you can carry the virus around all your life without ever knowing - that goes for the both of us.
Both her and my dad do get occasional cold sore outbreaks.
I guess what I'm after here more than anything, is a rough estimate on how likely I am to contract HSV-1 from her, with all the above details taken into account.
As a worst-case scenario, let's assume that she is carrying the virus, but is completely asymptomatic.
What are the odds of becoming infected from asymptomatic shedding?
In other words, what sort of transmission rates am I looking at for asymptomatic shedding?
If what I'm feeling on my lip is the beginning of a cold sore, at what point in time should I be able to SEE something on the lips at the spot? Because I've been up close with a magnifying glass and a flashlight and the area looks perfectly normal.
A related, but I guess more of a bonus question:
I called my doctor earlier this week, in an attempt to set up an STD screening as my new relationship becomes increasingly intimate - I'm confident that I'm clean, but it would be nice to have that confirmed.
I asked for an STD test and would like testing for HSV-1 and HSV-2 included as well, to which she replied, puzzled, why on earth I'd want that?
I explained my situation and that I'd like to know my herpes status, so I'd at least know where I stand in relation to my new girl.
She then said that she saw no reason to test for that at all, especially since I've never had an outbreak.
To be honest, this reaction from a medical professional kinda shocked me.
If a patient requests a specific test for a lifelong, incurable disease, why would a doctor stall like that?
At the very least, shouldn't she be interested in trying to prevent the further spread of the virus, by allowing me to know if I already have it - or if I don't have it, so that I'll be a bit careful about what I do?
Any input except "oh get over yourself, cold sores are so common, everyone has them!"
I'll take any fighting chance I can get, if it means I get to live out the rest of my life without having to constantly worry about infecting others and having blisters on my face.
I kissed and had sex with a female partner with unknown std status 6 weeks ago I have not had any symptoms but I'm scared il have a recurrent outbreak. The sex was protected. What are the chances that I had an asymptomatic outbreak and it's only a matter of time for a recurrence to happen. I'm still terrified please help
View 3 RepliesI had a shingles shot today. Adult daughter is immune suppressed (non-HIV) and has IGG infusions every 21 days. Is it safe to have contact with her and her family?
View 1 RepliesMy partner of 2yrs recently informed me that he tested positive for herpes and I subsequently did have a positive test. We both have no symptoms as this was only confirmed by blood test with mine having the higher positive value 1.30. We attended different doctors and he is currently taking valtrex as suppressive therapy since his is mild and my doctor recommended that I only take valtrex if I have an outbreak. I have been looking at alternative supplements as suppressive therapy could anyone share their experiences on the success of any alternative product. Personally I think valtrex is a bit expensive for daily suppressive therapy but I want to ensure that the infection is controlled or suppresses to avoid an outbreak of possible
View 14 RepliesI have read that episodic therapy does not have any real impact on asymptomatic shedding, which suggests there must be a number of days/weeks of continuous treatment (as in the case of suppressive therapy) before this is effectively reduced. Anyone know how long that period is?
View 1 RepliesI just got an HSV1 (IgG) test result of 1.29, which is "positive" and had a couple of questions for the community.
1. This number is low enough that there's a pretty good chance of it being a false positive, right?
2. This test wouldn't cover any new exposure in the last month, right?
3. Does this result mean I already have antibodies and that I'd be more protected against getting oral/genital HSV1 (depending on where I already have it)?
I'm having real problems with the skin on my face. I've never had brilliantly clear skin (the odd spot here and there) but since early December I've experienced lots of dry skin and acne around my mouth, on my nose and a small part of my forehead.
I went to the GP mid-December and she said I had cold sores which seemed infected, so she prescribed me antibiotics and a 10-day course of aciclovir tablets. However, at that time the sores were localised to around my mouth and over the past few weeks I've broken out with more spots all over my face. The red sores at the edges of my mouth are still there too.
My skin is itchy and sore, when I apply moisturiser it is very sore and the spots appear redder. Also if I apply face cleanser the spots become more aggravated and show no signs of clearing. When I wake up in the morning, my skin is very dry.
It's really bothering me at the moment, I don't want people to see me in this way and it's affecting my self esteem; I had to cancel a date last week. Can I/Should I asked to be referred to a dermatologist?
I'm 25 years old so don't believe this is usual pubertal acne. I believe there's a chance the spots all over my face are linked to the cold sores, but they didn't improve after I was on aciclovir. Is it possible for cold sores to affect your whole face and not just around your mouth?
I was tested positive for HSV2.
I've done the HSV 2 type 2 specific Elisa Euroimmun igg test
1st result is 43.5RU/ml July 28th 2015
2nd result is 23.9RU/ml Nov 4th 2015
3rd result is 54.9RU/ml Jan 29th 2016
Less than 16 RU/ml--Negative
16 and less than 22 RU/ml--Borderline
More than 22 RU/ml--Positive
I never have any visible symptoms, I understand that this is very common.
I would like to ask if I have itchy or tingling feeling at my scrotum or the base area of penis shaft. Is it every time I have this feeling it is Asymptomatic Virus Shedding?
Also I would like to know the best way to prevent passing this HSV2 to my gf if we would like to have sex.
I know wearing protection is a must, is there any ways that can further reduce the chance of passing it to her?
(She knows I am a positive, and she is not a positive.)
I was tested positive for HSV2, but no symptoms
Also I would like to know the best way to prevent passing this HSV2 ...
I believe I am asymptomatic. I have never seen and outbreak, but I'm unsure if I have them inside. My gyno looked once and said she saw no sign of outbreak or scarring.
I dated a guy who has had hsv2 since birth and he performed oral on me. And bear with me here, but I may have just answered half of my question. I still see no sign of outbreak, but after we made out, and the a few days later on the back of my tongue near my throat I think I had an outbreak.
I've had a few since, for the most part I think; unlike the first outbreak, I see just one at a time. There may be one other time I've had a few at once. I've never thought to get it cultured, but I will next time I see them.
So my question is, could he have infected me with his strand orally?
Secondly, if do actually have them on the inside, would they hurt? I can't find any information about that online. It mostly just pulls up basic facts about herpes. I've had an odor and I can't seem to what it is. Maybe weeping sores? Doctor gave a visual exam, no testing, and he said I checked out for bv. He seemed bothered so I didn't push for cultures. I keep coming back with uti tests positive for leucocytes (sp?) and there was a culture done on that, but they said it was just probably on my skin or something. I think it didn't grow or something. I digress, sometimes the odor smells like amonia, other times it is yeasty. Not to be weird or anything, but I used to have kind of a nice odor, and since shorty after the herpes it changed.
I should also mention I haven't had periods since 2013. I know it's unrelated to herpes, but do you think since I don't have that to clean me out, that may be the cause of my odor issues?
And instead of making a third post, what's the deal with herpes and tanning beds?
BF of 1.5 years recently had his first OB, culture came back positive (they didn't test for which type) [I go in Monday to have routine blood work, going to request them add HSV 2] Physician did not treat him for HSV as his 3 ulcers did not appear to be HSV to the provider. His ulcers were painless however his malaise, fever and chills night sweats for 5 days bout did him in. II have HSV1 since a child. I Have not had an oral outbreak for 5 months. I am very particular and persistently cautious at the first sign of lip tingle, as I how contagious herpes virus is and outbreaks are frustrating. Even through all my meticulous behaviors, he recently contracted HSV1 genital. I am hypothesizing from oral sex 12 days prior while I was menstruating I must of have been shedding oral HSV1 without any OB sign whatsoever. ( generally I break out during menstruration in the past) timeline is the best fit his IgG is neg leading me to believe a brand new infection for him. I am devastated that without an active oral outbreak I spread this to my partner.
Lifestyle, eating and supplement habits to read up on to prevent future genital outbreaks for him?
How often is HSV1 oral shedding asymptomatic?
How likely am I to get it HsV1 genital from him now?
Are there any additional precautions to take the first year beside condom use, no sex during any hint or active breakout?
Over the years will be begin to shed the virus less?
Thank you
I've been on azathioprine for Approx 6 weeks and the last 2 weeks have been hell. My knees feel like they've been shot i'm not sleeping in the nights always have a headache cold sores chesty cough sinus trouble.
View 8 RepliesI was recently told I have herpes but I want to shave so bad because my pubic hairs are making it more painful! But I'm scared to death to shave because I still have fresh sores. What do I do?
View 9 RepliesTwo weeks ago I had sex with this guy, and gave him a little oral, surprise surprise he never called me back again. Then on Saturday I had sex with this guy a couple times and I have him oral, and he gave me oral, down to my anus (tmi).
I had no symptoms or anything until this past Monday when my clitoris started itching and my butt was sore like when I wear thongs too much. Then it started burning and I went to the doctor and I have a UTI and blisters amd ulcers down there. Possibly herpes.. Also, my monroe piercing in my mouth got infected Monday and I had to take it out. My lip is swollen with pus and I have a white bump on the side of my tongue and a sore throat.
Does anyone know how good your peak flow would be even with mild COPD or would it vary from person to person?
View 4 Replies