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Indirect Transmission
Hi there,
I was diagnosed with HSV 2 about 2 years ago but I still haven't been able to comes to terms with it very well. I am in a loving relationship and have a beautiful baby girl and have a second baby on the way. Since I have been diagnosed, I seem to have back to back outbreaks - I am never without one, lets put it that way. I feel that this infection controls my life and I am very depressed. Because I am pregnant, I have been advised by the doctors to not take any medication at this time which I am OK with (not that they help much anyways). So I have a couple of questions, do you know if it gets better eventually? Also, I am paranoid about giving this infection to my daughter. I wash my hands obsessively but I am always fearful of the minute when I forget to wash my hands. Last week, I had an itch in the genital area (due to the continuous outbreaks) and scratched a lesion directly with my fingers while I was napping, then had to change my daughter's diaper and accidentally touched her skin without washing my hands first about 15 minutes later. I am scared to death that I have passed this on to her. People say that risk of indirect transmission of this virus is low. Is there any truth to that? Do you know how long the incubation period is? It has been over 9 days since this has happened. It scares me because she has a fever and I automatically think the worst even though she is teething and has a very bad cold. Can you get a fever without the blisters? Sorry but I am just finding it difficult to relax as a mom with this horrible virus. I would HATE myself if anything ever happened to her.
I was diagnosed with HSV 2 about 2 years ago but I still haven't been able to comes to terms with it very well. I am in a loving relationship and have a beautiful baby girl and have a second baby on the way. Since I have been diagnosed, I seem to have back to back outbreaks - I am never without one, lets put it that way. I feel that this infection controls my life and I am very depressed. Because I am pregnant, I have been advised by the doctors to not take any medication at this time which I am OK with (not that they help much anyways). So I have a couple of questions, do you know if it gets better eventually? Also, I am paranoid about giving this infection to my daughter. I wash my hands obsessively but I am always fearful of the minute when I forget to wash my hands. Last week, I had an itch in the genital area (due to the continuous outbreaks) and scratched a lesion directly with my fingers while I was napping, then had to change my daughter's diaper and accidentally touched her skin without washing my hands first about 15 minutes later. I am scared to death that I have passed this on to her. People say that risk of indirect transmission of this virus is low. Is there any truth to that? Do you know how long the incubation period is? It has been over 9 days since this has happened. It scares me because she has a fever and I automatically think the worst even though she is teething and has a very bad cold. Can you get a fever without the blisters? Sorry but I am just finding it difficult to relax as a mom with this horrible virus. I would HATE myself if anything ever happened to her.
I just wanted to clarify that I don't typically touch my lesions at all and I do practice very diligent hand washing. It was just that one episode where I might have scratched a lesion directly when I was sleeping and then didn't wash my hands before changing my child's diaper and accidentally touched her skin with my hands. This is not normal practice at all for me.
I am going to go and get some additional testing done to figure out if the paper cut-like lesions I have continuously are in fact HSV2. The one thing I find weird is that even though I have the paper cuts, I am still getting the odd lesion. It doesn't make sense to me that they are both related and that they are manifesting in two different ways. Is there anything in particular, I should ask to get testing for on those slits in the skin? I am in a monogamous relationship and have had all STIs tested for and they are all negative. I just don't know what to do next as many doctors don't know all that much about HSV2.
I am going to go and get some additional testing done to figure out if the paper cut-like lesions I have continuously are in fact HSV2. The one thing I find weird is that even though I have the paper cuts, I am still getting the odd lesion. It doesn't make sense to me that they are both related and that they are manifesting in two different ways. Is there anything in particular, I should ask to get testing for on those slits in the skin? I am in a monogamous relationship and have had all STIs tested for and they are all negative. I just don't know what to do next as many doctors don't know all that much about HSV2.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm glad you like the book.
It is very unlikely that if you touch a lesion and then touch someone else that you would transmit the virus, but I can't say that with 100% certainty. Most people don't touch their lesions and then touch someone else's genitals right away, that doesn't seem to make much sense to me. It would be best not to do it.
Terri
It is very unlikely that if you touch a lesion and then touch someone else that you would transmit the virus, but I can't say that with 100% certainty. Most people don't touch their lesions and then touch someone else's genitals right away, that doesn't seem to make much sense to me. It would be best not to do it.
Terri
Ok I just have one last question about the virus itself. Can HSV2 live on your finger after touching a lesion? And if it does, the risk of transmission to someone else in this fashion is basically zero - even in the genital area? A person has to come into direct contact with the lesion right? Sorry I just wanted to clarify that then hopefully I can put this anxiety to rest. I am halfway done your book though - it is very informative. Thanks Terri.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I think you need to have these symptoms evaluated to be sure they are all herpes. People who have herpes can have other things going on in the genital area as well. Ask for PCR swabbing of the paper cut.
Terri
Terri
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Quite honestly, when people tell me they are having constant outbreaks, I rarely find that their symptoms are related to herpes. Herpes is an intermittent disease, outbreaks most often resolve and there is time in between. My suggestion to you would be to go to see your health care provider when you think this is an outbreak, and have swabs taken or do daily home swabbing yourself with kits from your provider. See if this is all actually herpes.
Terri
Terri
Hi Terry
I am just wondering if you have heard of people getting such frequent infections as I do? Does it eventually get better?
Thanks so much for your help.
I am just wondering if you have heard of people getting such frequent infections as I do? Does it eventually get better?
Thanks so much for your help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I do not think her fever is related to HSV 2. The chance that you would infect her is so incredibly low, I honestly don't think you need to worry about it!
There is no way to know if your husband is infected or not is for him to get an antibody test. There is no specific need to do that at this time.
I'm sure you daughter is going to feel better really soon this weekend.
Terri
There is no way to know if your husband is infected or not is for him to get an antibody test. There is no specific need to do that at this time.
I'm sure you daughter is going to feel better really soon this weekend.
Terri
My daughter has had a fever of 102 or more - on and off since Friday. I am hoping this is related to her upper respiratory infection and not HSV 2. The doctor said it is most likely bacterial in nature due to the length of time. Is fever common with HSV 2 and how long does it last?
Hi Terri
Well, my outbreaks are typically in the form of slits or paper cuts in the vaginal area and around the lips. I always have them - they are itchy all of the time and become painful on occasion. I do not and never have had prodromal symptoms. I would say I get a single lesion on the outer lip area about 3 times a year in addition to the continuous slits in the skin. It is uncomfortable all of the time. Sex with my partner is non-existent because that makes the outbreaks worse. It is a horrible way to live - a constant reminder of genital herpes every day.
With my daughter, I automatically asked for a c-section and intend on having one this time around as well. I don't want to put my baby at risk for neonatal herpes and with the continuous outbreaks and the absence of prodromal effects, this is a real possibility for me. Valtrex is not as effective as I would like it to be. It helps but I still get more outbreaks than the average person even when I am taking it.
I was first thought to have a yeast infection because my symptoms are atypical. I had a swab done which came back positive for HSV 2 and two blood tests which both confirmed the presence of HSV2.
What I do find odd though is that my partner is HSV 2 negative - he had a blood test in March and it was negative. I can't believe he hasn't gotten this from me because the lesions are always there and we have been together for 2 years.
This is why I am so anxious about passing this on to my daughter because I feel like if I slip up once I am putting her at risk. And I can't bear to have her grow up with the social stigma associated with this disease. Her dating life would be ruined and it would be ALL my fault. She would grow up to hate me.
Can you carry the virus on your finger if you directly touched a lesion? And you are certain I didn't put her at risk by touching her vulva area with that same finger during a diaper change about 15 minutes later without first washing my hands? What is the incubation period for HSV 2? This is day 11 since this happened.
I have ordered your book and am seeking more counselling to help me adjust to this disease.
Thanks so much for your help.
Well, my outbreaks are typically in the form of slits or paper cuts in the vaginal area and around the lips. I always have them - they are itchy all of the time and become painful on occasion. I do not and never have had prodromal symptoms. I would say I get a single lesion on the outer lip area about 3 times a year in addition to the continuous slits in the skin. It is uncomfortable all of the time. Sex with my partner is non-existent because that makes the outbreaks worse. It is a horrible way to live - a constant reminder of genital herpes every day.
With my daughter, I automatically asked for a c-section and intend on having one this time around as well. I don't want to put my baby at risk for neonatal herpes and with the continuous outbreaks and the absence of prodromal effects, this is a real possibility for me. Valtrex is not as effective as I would like it to be. It helps but I still get more outbreaks than the average person even when I am taking it.
I was first thought to have a yeast infection because my symptoms are atypical. I had a swab done which came back positive for HSV 2 and two blood tests which both confirmed the presence of HSV2.
What I do find odd though is that my partner is HSV 2 negative - he had a blood test in March and it was negative. I can't believe he hasn't gotten this from me because the lesions are always there and we have been together for 2 years.
This is why I am so anxious about passing this on to my daughter because I feel like if I slip up once I am putting her at risk. And I can't bear to have her grow up with the social stigma associated with this disease. Her dating life would be ruined and it would be ALL my fault. She would grow up to hate me.
Can you carry the virus on your finger if you directly touched a lesion? And you are certain I didn't put her at risk by touching her vulva area with that same finger during a diaper change about 15 minutes later without first washing my hands? What is the incubation period for HSV 2? This is day 11 since this happened.
I have ordered your book and am seeking more counselling to help me adjust to this disease.
Thanks so much for your help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The chances of you infecting your baby in the way that you describe is so close to zero that I think you can stop worrying about it entirely.
Also, tell me about the symptom that you have that make you think you are having back to back or continuous outbreaks. This is almost never the case with genital herpes, so I am curious. Has your OB had a look at this and swabbed your symptoms to determine that this is, indeed, herpes that you are experiencing? If not, they should. I am certain that your OB will begin suppressive daily therapy when you are 32-36 weeks along. In your case, I would start early just to make you more comfortable. Have you talked about that yet with your OB? Do you know what the plan is?
How were you diagnosed with HSV 2?
Terri
Also, tell me about the symptom that you have that make you think you are having back to back or continuous outbreaks. This is almost never the case with genital herpes, so I am curious. Has your OB had a look at this and swabbed your symptoms to determine that this is, indeed, herpes that you are experiencing? If not, they should. I am certain that your OB will begin suppressive daily therapy when you are 32-36 weeks along. In your case, I would start early just to make you more comfortable. Have you talked about that yet with your OB? Do you know what the plan is?
How were you diagnosed with HSV 2?
Terri
I guess I should say that when I changed her diaper, I accidentally touched the vulva area with my finger (the one I had itched the lesion with shortly before) while I was wiping the area with a baby wipe. I know most moms wouldn't even think twice about that but for me, I can't stop thinking about passing on this virus.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Nothing is life is 100%, but I stand by my comment that it is very very close to zero. I honestly think you have no worries at all with your daughter, honestly.
Terri
Terri
So basically, I have nothing to worry about with transmission to my daughter in the manner described? Your last comment about it being unlikely but you couldn't say that with 100% certainty made me a little worried. Previously, you said that the chance of transmission was very close to zero. Do you still believe this? It is day 26 and my baby girl is doing just fine. Can I finally put this to rest and move on?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You could ask that an HSV PCR swab be done. That's the best swab test for herpes.
Terri
Terri
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
