the only way to confirm hsv1 genitally is through a lesion culture and typing of active symptoms. it's really unfortunate that your provider you saw initially when you had symptoms didn't do a lesion culture and typing as they should've :( A visual diagnosis of herpes isn't enough.
your friend with herpes needs to 1 - confirm their herpes status. 15 years ago odds are proper testing wasn't done to know if they have herpes or if it was hsv1 or hsv2. 2- if they have a negative partner they are trying to protect, they should be taking valtrex daily. it has a relatively short half life and taking it every other day doesn't keep the virus from reproducing or reducing shedding adequately. in other words, if your friend has hsv2, they've been darn lucky that they haven't had obvious recurrences treating it every other day !
By the way, I was very excited with your quick response. I didn't even get a chance to thank you for your time and opinion. They are both much appreciated.
Best,
Zohan
Yes, I received oral sex a few times around that time period but only for a few seconds, one time, was it unprotected and I washed after. Could it mean that someone with hSV 1 gave me hsv1 through oral sex but I don't have hsv2?
A friend of mine got herpes 15 years ago and said they take the valtrex every other day and have not had an outbreak since they started. They used to get outbreaks every few weeks before taking valtrex. I also never got an outbreak while taking valtrex.
What tests should I take? What type of doctor should I see?
taking valtrex every other day isn't preventing recurrences. it's pretty much wasting your time and money to take it that way :(
at this point you need to be confirm your status with proper testing. had you received oral sex within 2-3 weeks of your initial genital symptoms?
grace