Hsv2 meningitis

[Worriedcc]

My husband is positive for hsv2 and negative for hsv1.  I am negative for both hsv1 and hsv2.  I am aware of the risks of transmission even when practicing safer sex.  I recently became aware that if i were to develop hsv2 there is a chance of developing viral meningitis as well.  To be honest this terrifies me.  How likely is it that this could happen.. Also, since i am negative for 1 & 2 does this increase the likelihood that i would develop meningitis if i contract hsv2 from my husband?  I have read stats  that 30% of females with primary hsv2 will develop meningits . Is this number correct.?   Thank you for your help.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Oral sex is not a high risk for acquisition, but if you did contract it orally, you would be basically immunized against genital infection.

Terri

[Worriedcc]

One final question.  Is a condom necessary when I perform oral sex on my husband?  Is it high risk for transmission?

[Worriedcc]

Thank you so much for your response terri!   My husband believes he has actually been infected for many years but did not realize what the symptoms meant until recently.  We are getting through this together and learning what we can do to continue to keep me negative for hsv2.  Thank you once again your information is very helpful!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The times when your husband has symptoms are not the only times that transmission can occur.  He can give off virus with no symptoms at the time of transmission - 70% of transmissions occur when no symptoms are present.  But your call as a couple.  I don't know what you've heard about meningitis with new herpes, but in my experience, that's not a huge deal for people, just a headache that can be dealt with primarily with NSAIDS and light sensitivity that can be dealt with mostly by sunglasses.  It varies a lot from person to person.  And yes, if you think you have new herpes, the sooner you take antivirals, the sooner symptoms including meningitis can be reduced in severity.

Terri

[Worriedcc]

My husband does not take antivirals because his symptoms are extremely mild and rare.   He was diagnosed by herpes select blood test.  This is somewhat new to us. Is there something that can be done to prevent meningits from developing if I contract hsv 2 from him? Will taking antivirals from the beginning of symptoms (if I get them) prevent meningitis? I am afraid of meningitus because I have read about the severe pain it causes? I am aware it is not the same thing as encephalitis.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Many people who acquire new herpes infection develop an aseptic meningitis, yes.  It presents as sensitivity to light and a headache most often.  I'm wondering if you are confusing meningitis with encephalitis, which is far more serious and is most often caused by HSV 1, not HSV 2.  The aseptic meningitis goes away pretty quickly and usually does not present any long term problems.  

Does you husband take daily antiviral therapy to reduce the risk of infecting you with HSV 2?  How was he diagnosed?  Is this a new thing for you as a couple?

Terri