I KNOW IT'S HERPES. WHAT CAN I DO?

[stunned]

Hi, my boyfriend and I have never once had unprotected sex. I have genital herpes, we have only been sexually involved three months (approx 10 times). The last time that we had sex was 14 days ago, since last Friday October 20th or so he has been sick. Severe flu like symptoms, night sweats, serious pain in legs, knees. He has began taking Zithromax, for upper respiratory infection (he is self diagnosing).   He also began taking muti-vitamins, as far as I know he has no red bumps or skin irritations in the groin area. We do not live in the same home so I can't be sure. I ask him repeatedly if he has any other issues he keeps saying no. Is it possible that he is simply sick, what about the leg pain, which he is greatly surprised about? I have been extremely careful, this is breaking my heart. Also, he complained about leg pain once before about a month or so ago.

Thanks, this is a great service.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It sounds like he has a bug in his system.  Herpes in the groin would cause severe swollen glands and ulcers there, so I don't think you need to worry about that.  I don;t think it's a good idea for him to diagnose himself and take antibiotics without authorization.  I think he's sick (not from you).  He should see a doctor.  Now.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[sparkeler]

Does he know you have genital herpes?  He probably just has the flu.  Even if he is experiencing "leg pains" and "flu" like symptoms, w/the abscence of blisters, it's highly unlikely it's a primary outbreak.  Usually the blisters would start two days or so after the onset of the other symptoms.  I think your just being paranoid.  Are you on surpressive therapy?  If not, w/the addition of condom use, it will decrease the chances of transmission even more if you do start therapy.  (Even if you don't shed the virus often or have very many ob's.)

[stunned]

I am not on suppressive therapy, but I made an appointment for next week. The worry is too much for me to handle...So even with the flu like symptons and leg pains it's still possible to not be herpes? Could it be that the bumps and swollen glands will appear after a few more days? I was surprised to find out that you can have HSV2 antibodies and not have genital herpies (herpes).

Thanks, I really appreciate your time and patience.

[sparkeler]

He probably is not having an outbreak.  However you are wrong about antibodies.  If one has hsv2 antibodies, THEY ARE infected w/genital herpes.  Some people may be asymptomatic, (no noticable outbreaks) but can still certainly transmit the virus to another.

[stunned]

Thanks, my mind is a little more at ease- but I still can't shake the (uneasy) feeling  totally. I appreciate your replies, I hope to God that you're right.

I'll keep watching and waiting.

[Englishman]

Those symptoms are not due to genital herpes because he would defintely have lesions present too. I am not a doctor.