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What are the statistics/any other treatment?
I found out about a month ago that I have HSV-2. I suspect that I have had the virus for about 3 years, due to a previous suspected "outbreak". The first time around, I tested negative for over 2 years (via blood test). I did not have another outbreak or any other symptoms until a month ago, when I was retested, and tested positive.
My first question is, why is there so little research/treatment/progress for this virus? I was tested roughly 6 times in a 2 year period, and continually was told I did not have the virus, when, at this point, it is very evident that I had it all along. As far as I can find, there is only one active ingredient in the drugs used to treat/prevent shedding and outbreaks: famciclovir/acyclovir. Are these the same ingredient? If I had an allergic reaction to one, is it like I am allergic to the other? During the first outbreak (3 years ago, that tested negative) I was given famciclovir, and had a very severe allergic reaction. My joints (fingers, wrist, elbows, knees, and ankles) swelled so severely that I was barely able to bend anything.
If these are the same drugs, as I suspect they are, is there nothing else I can take to minimize the chance I have of spreading HSV-2 to my partner?
Second, does anyone really know the true statistics? I have read that the average transmission rate is between 5-10% per year when partners avoid sexual contact during outbreaks. If I have only had 2 outbreaks in the 3 years I have had the virus, does that mean I am less likely to spread HSV-2?
Third, why are there so many different answers? After I tested positive, my monogamous, long time, boyfriend went to the health district to get tested. When his test came back negative, the practitioner basically told him it was not safe to have any sexual contact, including kissing, with me ever. Since this person is supposed to be a "professional" he came home contemplating if it was safe to hold my hand. Why is it that one place tells you there is a relatively low rate of transmission (5-10%), yet places, such as the CDC, present HSV-2 as if it is a death wish?
I suppose this has turned into a rant, but these are my main questions:
Is there a cure or vaccine in the foreseeable future?
Are there any other drugs besides famciclovir used to prevent shedding?
Are famciclovir and acyclovir the same?
Is there any research that shows true transmission statistics?
Is there any hope for an at home test to determine if you are shedding the virus?
If one in five actually has this virus, like the CDC and other medical professional suspect, why isn't there more being done to find a cure or vaccine?
Thanks for your help or answers in advance.
My first question is, why is there so little research/treatment/progress for this virus? I was tested roughly 6 times in a 2 year period, and continually was told I did not have the virus, when, at this point, it is very evident that I had it all along. As far as I can find, there is only one active ingredient in the drugs used to treat/prevent shedding and outbreaks: famciclovir/acyclovir. Are these the same ingredient? If I had an allergic reaction to one, is it like I am allergic to the other? During the first outbreak (3 years ago, that tested negative) I was given famciclovir, and had a very severe allergic reaction. My joints (fingers, wrist, elbows, knees, and ankles) swelled so severely that I was barely able to bend anything.
If these are the same drugs, as I suspect they are, is there nothing else I can take to minimize the chance I have of spreading HSV-2 to my partner?
Second, does anyone really know the true statistics? I have read that the average transmission rate is between 5-10% per year when partners avoid sexual contact during outbreaks. If I have only had 2 outbreaks in the 3 years I have had the virus, does that mean I am less likely to spread HSV-2?
Third, why are there so many different answers? After I tested positive, my monogamous, long time, boyfriend went to the health district to get tested. When his test came back negative, the practitioner basically told him it was not safe to have any sexual contact, including kissing, with me ever. Since this person is supposed to be a "professional" he came home contemplating if it was safe to hold my hand. Why is it that one place tells you there is a relatively low rate of transmission (5-10%), yet places, such as the CDC, present HSV-2 as if it is a death wish?
I suppose this has turned into a rant, but these are my main questions:
Is there a cure or vaccine in the foreseeable future?
Are there any other drugs besides famciclovir used to prevent shedding?
Are famciclovir and acyclovir the same?
Is there any research that shows true transmission statistics?
Is there any hope for an at home test to determine if you are shedding the virus?
If one in five actually has this virus, like the CDC and other medical professional suspect, why isn't there more being done to find a cure or vaccine?
Thanks for your help or answers in advance.
Can you call the clinic and ask for the numeric results to post here? all I need to see is the actual results - ie hsv2 igg 5.4 and hsv1 igg .34 or whatever they are.
grace
grace
I had blood test all along. I never had any lesions to have cultures done, except for the very first round, which they said were negative. This last blood test said positive on hsv-1 and 2. I am not sure what the numbers were.
what were the results of the blood test you just had done? Testing negative for 2 years and then now testing positive means we need to look at this a bit closer. were you getting blood tests all along or did you also have some lesion cultures done too?
grace
grace
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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.
