Confused

Well then...  I just read what one of the Dr.s' from WSU said about how oral/genital herpes isn't a big thing, is most easily caught through kissing, etc...  There's so much stuff elsewhere on the web that contradicts this.  I was just diagnosed with it, but am really confused about a number of things.

1.  Why are antibody seeking tests even allowed for this, since they aren't conclusive?
2.  Why aren't viral-protein tests for herpes mandatory for entrance each year in high schools and colleges?
3.  Why isn't either sun light or similar laser-light, or induced fever, used to bring herpes out of dormancy so that it can be eradicated with Acyclovir?
4.  Why is there such a broad range of information from one herpes site to the next about preventing it's spread?
5.  Why aren't there at least home tests that can be used to find out if there is any asymptomatic viral shedding going on at the moment?
6.  Is there any possibility of creating a gel, ointment, or lip balm/stick that would kill any symptomatic or asymptomatic shedding on contact?
7.  What is the basis for telling a guy that he would have to put his unprotected penis inside his date's vagina or anus in order to get herpes?  Wouldn't any contact with mucus put either his penis or mouth at risk?
8.  Is Germex a reliable way to prevent the transmission of herpes from one's hands to another person if they've touched their mouth or genitals, either during or not during an outbreak?
9.  Is it 100% safe (for their partner) for a person who has herpes to either kiss or have genital contact with a non-mucus area of their parter's body?
10.  Can two herpes-positive partners give each other legions in areas which they didn't already have them, or otherwise make each others' outbreaks worse?
11.  If a person who has HSV-1, who has never had legions in their genital area, has unprotected genital contact with an uninfected partner without kissing them, can they still transmit the disease to that partner?
12.  If a person who has HSV-1 has clean hands (perhaps also washed with something like Germex), can they safely touch their partner anywhere with their hands?

[gracefromHHP]

the herpes igg blood tests are accurate for the majority of people who take them when it comes to detecting hsv2.  

no reason to test for herpes for high school or college.

can you call and get your actual test results to post here for me to look at them - e.g. hsv1 igg 5.9 and hsv2 igg 2.6 or whatever they are? I can better help you when I see your actual results.

we don't have home tests for herpes at this time.

we dont' have topicals that can reduce the risk of transmitting herpes at this time either though there are still a few in development ( the first couple they tested failed ).

it's fine to use germex on your hands instead of getting up to wash with soap and water .

no, 2 people with hsv2 genitally don't have to worry about spreading the virus or making each others infections worse.

grace

[JustRosy123]

This isn't about HSV-2, in my case.  YES there is MUCH reason to test in high school and college.  That's most likely where I got HSV-1 from, and now I'm being told I can only have protected sex and can't kiss anyone.  DUH.  That means I'll never have my own children.  This MUST be stopped.  Kids/young adults who DON'T have this virus (since they are in the minority by then) should be informed of the fact and given the option to isolate themselves from the rest of the outright lepers that the rest of us are.  Plain and simple.  I would have been PROTECTED FROM contracting this had I been given the real facts of my situation, as well as about all the asymptomatic viral shedding info about herpes in the first place.

And yes, we are lepers.  We spread this disease around, killing off the chances that others might have of having their own natural children someday.

I've never seen the actual results.  I've been told I have the antibodies and that I can't have a fulfilling social or family life anymore.  Nothing more needs to be said.  This is a stupid virus that is being treated like it's not a big deal when it is a very big deal.  I don't appreciate the outright laziness of the herpes community.  No wonder there's no cure.  Even Dr.s and nurses don't take it seriously.  I just lost my chance to ever have kids.  That's serious.  Or, is everyone forgetting that little fact?

[gracefromHHP]

I'm not sure where you got your information from but there is absolutely no reason to stop kissing. this also won't keep you from having a family.  It also has no impact at all on your social life.

I will gladly take a look at your herpes blood test results to make sure you had proper testing done if you get a copy of them . just call and ask someone to read them to you and write them down.  

[wdoml]

I know it all sounds awful... and I thought the same. I felt like my life was over. The doctor told me he would have pamphlets for me, and I told him I didnt want his pamphlets or anything, I was pist!  It took time for me to educate on my own. After continuous reading you will realize life can go on normally - it will. A year ago I would of laughed at myself if i heard myself say this. No doubt it is process to get to the point where you realize things will be okay.
  I am still in the process of getting confirmatory results. Yes im still scared to see the actual results and I still have my ups and downs, but reading these boards helps!
  Grace can help you a lot with your results, just go up to your doctors and ask for a copy to have, or just call.

Terri Warren a nurse in the expert column also has a awesome book out, I have not read all of it, but had the chance to look at a little of it and it is so helpfpul with everything! you can prb google it and take a glance at some pages.  It seems to explain a lot - and not in a doctor kind of way.  

You will have kids and family one day!