confuse!

Hello, I recentally went to a new ob after moving to a different state and got some blood work done because I like to get them done every year. My blood work last year was normal and nothing came back that was "abnormal". I got a regular pap and it came back "normal", but then I did my blood work and it came back the other day and I was positive for hsv1, but I have never had a "cold sore" or any other symptoms. My sister told me that as a child she use to get cold sores, but never recalls me gettin them. So now Im freaking about Im wondering if its something that I caught as a child which I have read on here or something that I caught. I have never had a breakout, but carry the virus?... Its so confusing. So can the virus be tranferred by me kissing through salvia? Or is it only a chance for me to give it through having a actual cold sore. #1 If I have never had a outbreak does that mean im immune #2 What are the chances of me giving it to my partner through kissing or oral sex? #3 Since I believe I got this when I was a child does this mean Im going to transfer it to my child?. Sorry if this is hard to read, I write how I speak and I know people have asked these questions a million times but Im just wanting the answers for myself . THanks so much.

[Mistakeguy789]

If your testing was done properly (a type specific igg test is the one you want) then you know you have HSV-1.  Most people positive have it orally and get it when they are a child from the kisses from family members.  Even if you don't recall a history of cold sores that is typically what we find with positive people.  Add in your sister has a history as a child and boom you can almost bet money your HSV-1 is oral.  

Transmission can be done with no symptoms being present.  We call this asymptomatic shedding.  Shedding does happen and can lead to transmission.  However, there is no way to know when you are shedding and overall the risk is low.  

You are immune to HSV-1 now because of the anitbodies in your blood.  Though we advise people to avoid sexual contact when symptoms are present.  HSV-1 is pretty common majority of the adult US population has herpes orally.  If you have a new partner you just avoid kissing during outbreaks and sexual encounters as well.  Have your partner tested as well is always a good idea.  HSV isn't tested usually as a part of routine screening.  

You can pass it to your child.  You can pass it on to your partner if he doesn't have HSV-1 themself.  It's really common though and it really isn't that big of a deal.  Though the best thing is to always avoid kissing when you have a cold sore present.  The risk though of kissing/oral sex is low when you have no active symptoms present.  You can have protected oral sex with no fear of transmitting it that way.  

If you have a newborn just avoid kissing near the eyes and lips for awhile.  Things should be good.  Your child won't be born with the virus already.  

Read over the below site.  It has a lot of good info on oral herpes.

http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_oralherpes.cfm

[whtnb]

Thank you so much for the information. I am totally lost and confuse but feel as if Im gettin more and more info as time goes by Im crying everyday and looking at my lips every two seconds for a break out.... the whole thing is really scarey. Because I havent had a outbreak so Im nervous to give anybody a kiss or anything.. :(

[whtnb]

OH and another questions I havent had an outbreak so Idk when I should kiss and when I shouldnt. :(

[Mistakeguy789]

Don't worry about kissing someone.  Makeout all day long with your partner.  HSV-1 is very common.  Like I said people have it.  Yes, you can transmit it but you don't know when you are shedding it.  If you don't want to kiss someone because you are afraid have them get tested if they have HSV-1 then you aren't going to give it to them again.  

The rule of thumb is to avoid kissing during an outbreak or if you think you are getting one until the skin has fully healed.

[whtnb]

okay, and weve kissed before I even knew about this so its possible that I have already transfered it to them :( , but can hsv1 only go to the genitals if we only have a cold sore or is that through salvia also?!. Thanks so much for responding.

[Mistakeguy789]

Saliva isn't much of a transmitter.  For adults the risk is so small its not even funny.  Genital HSV-1 can happen from oral sex when someone is not having symptoms.  It does happen.  But its a low risk.  You could have and you might not have.  Time to get him tested for him to know his own status and you guys can work on precautions.  

[whtnb]

Thats a relief (kinda),, Im just so scared of a breakout,, I thought I was coming to a better understanding of it all until I went to my parents house for the weekend and I just freaked out more.. and  scheduled a doctors appointment for tuesday to ask questions. Every since they gave me my results Ive been checking my lips and mouth and feeling like my lips are "different" and tingling. Im soo confuse how I even caught this but I have shared drinks, I have kissed, but have not given oral to an person that Ive believe has had it hsv1genital.. (im just lost)... but I really do appreciate you talkining to me and responding your the only person that Ive been able to seek info from. So I apologize for being annoying.

[gracefromHHP]

About 1/3 of us contract this when we are kids even.  Most of the adults in our lives have hsv1 orally and when we are small, we are more easily infected than when we get older.  You'll probably never figure out the when and from whom part of all of this to be honest. You already know your sister used to get cold sores so obviously several people in your life when you were younger had hsv1 orally.

no reason to keep inspecting your lips!  If you can't recall ever having had a cold sore, no reason to think that just because you know you have oral herpes that you'll suddenly have one!  Probably you are irritating your lips more than anything at this point!  

once your partner knows their status, you can better decide together what precautions to take together for oral sex. it's totally up to the 2 of you what you do - don't let the idea of knowing you have oral herpes mess with your head - it's incredibly common and not many of us make it to the old age home without it.

grace

[whtnb]

Yeah it is definitely more common then I thought! It is really scarey also, but after doing tons of research on the internet and talking to my sister I feel a little better about the situation Im almost 90% sure I caught it from my childhood or my preschool children, I guess the hardest part of it all is accepting it and dealing with it. And being able to discuss it with others because I still havent crossed that bridge because of fear of rejection, I havent even told my mother and she is my bestfriend. Its just I know Im going to be judge when honestly I was totally shocked as well. I believe that everything happens for a reason and the Lord will guide me through all this. But I love the websites that talk about coldsores and feverblisters because they are less dramatic! :) I learned that if I just keep my immune system good then I shouldnt have outbreaks or as many if I ever get one. I guess the biggest fear is not being able to have a family and have someone love me with this.. So Ive just decided to just not be intimate at all.. No kissing or sex because Im scared of passing it along and telling someone that I have this. Idk I hope one day things will be back "normal" . But thanks for allllll the advice I really appreciate it! I love this site!

[gracefromHHP]

You can always thank mom for giving you the genes that kept you from having obvious cold sores instead of the genes your sister got that makes her more likely to get them :)  

deciding to skip all intimacy because of oral herpes is pretty irrational dear.  

[whtnb]

I guess your right, but idk I just would feel bad if I passed it. I mean Im not going to say Im not going to EVER, but at this point Im not. I mean what if I pass it to his genitals and then he passes it to mine, that would be worst then what I am already dealing with and Im not married .So Im going to just wait til Im married and etc. But thanks mrs.grace!

[gracefromHHP]

you having hsv1 orally, gives you significant protection from contracting it on other body parts. it's not likely to happen.

always talk to your partners about std's and testing. find out what their herpes test results are too - it's not  a part of routine std testing so most folks don't get tested for it to know their status.  you can't make educated decisions about what precautions to take until you know who has what.

ms grace....he he he

[whtnb]

:) other body parts as genitials? because I thought I read that hsv1 orally is the biggest cause of hsv1 genital or something like that... and I went to my doctors appointment today she cleared alot of things up for me I was so comfortable to just ask as many questions and etc. She basically told me to stop freaking out that its so common, its just that most people dont know they have it because they dont get the blood work done for it and she explained that she even has it and only had a break out when she was prego with her baby..and when she was a child and she took acyclovir oral tablets 400mg she told me that she doesnt really think I have nothing to worry about because I have never had a break out but I am positive for it, but since Im freaking out so much that shes going to write me the prescription!  I guess its just alot for me to take in, but Im soooo happy I have you guys to talk too! such a relief! :)))))))))))))))))ss

[whtnb]

http://www.bestpricepharmacy.com is this a good idea to buy my medication from a internet site Im too ashame to get it from a local pharmacy

[gracefromHHP]

no reason to be ashamed to pick up herpes antivirals!!!

if you  have insurance, see if they have a mail order program. it's usually cheaper than picking up medication monthly at the pharmacy as well as more convenient.

the online place you mentioned is WAY too expensive!

[whtnb]

really?! I thought it was cheaper then it would be at the walgreens and etc.. it seem like it would be because this other medicine I need was cheaper at the online store. :) lol

[gracefromHHP]

It's $4 for a round of episodic therapy with acyclovir at most places like walmart. Under $20/month for suppressive therapy with acyclovir there.   Those are the prices if you don't have insurance!

[whtnb]

really?!?! omg and I just give them my prescription? SOrry Im very clueless to this lol I love you lol your sooooo helpful! hehe

[gracefromHHP]

I'm not only not rich but I'm cheap at heart about many things - medications are one of them!!  Gotta have the extra money for good quality chocolate and wine :)

[whtnb]

LOL I am also cheap I love bargains, hey! did you know goodwill had its 50% off sale on saturdays and sundays!?! haha.. So with the meds I can just walk in walgreens and ask for the antivirals? Or do I have to give them my prescription? :)

[gracefromHHP]

you have to have a prescription for them. don't hesitate to give walgreens a call and ask how much it's going to cost to fill them for you and shop around if it's more expensive than the prices I mentioned :)

[whtnb]

okay thanks! :)

[whtnb]

Hey! Hey! I havent been on the site because Ive been soo busy with eveything else in my life but unfortunitely I decided to freak out again today and get on some stupid blog.. (not stupid but,, yeah).. So anyways the blog was about this guy who had hsv1 like me whom never had outbreaks or anything but dated this virgin and peformed oral sex on her and gave her gential (genital) herpes by shredding!!! But prior to this his doc told him to stop taking his antiviral meds because they where really unneccessary. OKay I havent gave anybody oral sex in years and nobody has given me oral sex that I have kissed, but the thought of this really is freakin me the heck out.. I mean having to worry about kissing someone is already hard but not getting oral is going to be very hard once Im married!!! lol and how do you just discuss oh yea by the way I have hsv1 and i can transfer it you and give you hsv2 I mean the whole virus is totally confusing and complicated! But its just more annoying... lol I have gotten my acyclovir oral tablets because I like the dude was told that she was only writing me the prescription so I could calm down and be sane of not shredding.. but does the medicine stop the shredding or just decrease it?! ughh this is one heck of a journey! lol Just wanted to share my thoughts! ........

[Mistakeguy789]

If you have HSV-1 it doesn't become HSV-2.  I don't know what blog you read but that is the stupid thing to think.  They are to different viruses.  Completely.

You having HSV-1 oral doesn't mean they can't give YOU oral sex.  It means that if you give them oral they are at a risk.  You have to talk to your partner about your status.  Your partner should be tested to know their status.  Do you really want to go get married to someone that isn't going to accept you for you?  HSV-1 is a skin condition.  Not like it will destory your immune system.  

[gracefromHHP]

did you read the link that you were given in your very first reply on oral herpes? it's very informative and gives you  very down to earth advice on how to best protect a partner against your hsv1 infection.

once you know your partner's status, the two of you can make informed decisions about what precautions to take for oral sex together.  

many blogs on herpes are very inaccurate. we only refer folks here to accurate and updated sources of info so that folks don't get overly anxious for no good reason!

[whtnb]

So does it transfer to hsv1 gentials if you give them oral?!.. & your right I dont wont to marry someone that doesnt love me for me, but Im also terrified that no one will love me because of this skin condition.. I mean before I found out I had it I know how I judged others.. Im just afraid to be alone forever bc of hsv1 but also afraid to give it to others.. I guess Im one of those individuals that are overly anxious.. bc I am young and feel like this hsv1 ruin my "future dreams of a normal sex life"... I think more then anything its just embarrassing to say and admit to it to someone.. and eventhough its so common so many people are not educated by it and assume they dont have it because they never had a cold sore or other symptoms like I havent... I guess I do need to go back and read the link to calm myself down a little.. but I am so thankful to have you guys because honestly yall give me some kind of hope! :)

[Mistakeguy789]

HSV-1 can be transferred to the genitals of a person if you perform oral sex during a coldsore or if you happen to actively be shedding it.  A few things to remember is that not every day somones life they are shedding the virus.  It is a random deal.  We don't know why it happens but that it does. The thing to remember is that shedding is random and no way you will know.  Now if the person has HSV-1 it is highly unlikely they will get HSV-1 in a new location.

People are scared of things they don't understand.  Those that seek to learn about it do the best in life and aren't as scared. So yes you may have to educate people a little and get them to learn.  I am not saying you are going to have to give a lecture about how common it is.  Just get your future partner tested to know their status and avoid kissing or sexual acts when you have an active outbreak.  

You maybe young but I highly doubt that you will not find a decent guy that can talk to you about whats going on and be there with you.  Really I kiss people and don't think twice of herpes.  If I go off kissing a girl I don't think about shes gonna have HSV-1 and now I got it.  Instead I focus on the moment and after its done if its a good kiss I wonder about when I will get another one.  HSV-1 isn't going to stop you from kissing someone unless you let it.  

[whtnb]

:) I HAVE CAME TO REALIZE THAT HSV1 IS EASILY MANAGEABLE.. I STILL HAVENT HAD A COLD SORE... AND IM NOT FREAKING OUT ABOUT IT LIKE I WAS AT FIRST BUT I AM SCARED OF GIVING AND RECEIVING ORAL SEX JUST BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHO MAY HAVE HSV1.. I DIDNT THINK I HAD IT.... THE NEW THING IM WORRIED ABOUT IS THIS HPV THATS SPREDDING LIKE CRAZY... IT SEEMS AS IF ITS JUST AS COMMON AS HSV1.. AND THAT ITS NOT SUCH A BIG DEAL BECAUSE EVERYBODY IN THE WORLD WILL GET AT LEAST ONE TYPE OF HPV.. BUT QUESTION IF THE HPV THAT CAUSES GENITIAL WARTS IF YOU HAVE THEM ON THE OUTSIDE OF UR GENITIALS IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET THE LOW RISK TYPE INSIDE OF MY VAGINA?.. JUST CURIOUS... ALL THESE STDS ARE FREAKING ME OUT..AND EVENTHOUGH IVE ONLY HAD SEX WITH 4 PEOPLE IT SEEMS AS IF I STILL COULDVE BEEN SAFER... LOL JEEESHHH. WHEN OR IF I EVER HAVE KIDS IM GOING TO EDUCATE THEM ALL OF THIS STUFF UNLIKE MY MOM DID... AND GET THEM THE VACCINES. :)

[gracefromHHP]

there are over 30 different types of hpv that infect the genital area. some of them are associated with genital warts and some with cervical infections.  

have you had your gardasil shots yet?