genital hsv I

[momomama]

I have been diagnosed with genital hsv 1.  i understand outbreaks are less frequent, as is asymptomatic shedding, due to the virus being out of its site of preference.  i understand it is possible that i will experience little to perhaps no recurrences.  but realistically, how often can i expect recurrent outbreaks?  how often can i anticipate that i will shed?  will i experience any symptoms when  shedding?  how long is the time lapse between prodromal symptoms and an active outbreak for recurrences?  how long do prodromal symptoms last?  are prodromal symptoms distinct?  i would be devastated if i gave it to my partner from shedding or if i had indistinguishable symptoms.  i have already told him, so he's aware of the risk, but should my partner expect that at some point he will contract it from me?

[gracefromHHP]

On average - 50% of folks with hsv1 genitally never get another ob. of those who do - the average is 1 additional ob the first year and then 1 ob every other year.  Only a small percentage of folks with hsv1 genitally get frequent recurrences. It also on average only sheds about 3% of days ( 3 out of every 100 days ).

Only time will tell how often you get ob's. If you think you are having them frequently - follow up with your provider for confirmatory testing.  Chances are good that you won't be having many issues with it though.

has your partner been tested for herpes yet?  Have you been with this partner since before you were diagnosed?  Can your partner recall any cold sores?

grace