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Avatar universal

I have herpes

I just found out I have herpes recently. I have never had any outbreaks nor have I ever shown any signs of having Herpes. I am worried b/c I am a loving mother to my children and I often give them kisses and we do share drinks and sometimes food. After finding out I have Herpes I am affraid they mind be infected b/c I have not had sex for 6 months which leaves me to believe I had this STD for some time now. I am very nervous someone please help.
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Avatar universal
You're right, I meant to quote badchoices, but ask it to you.  Thanks for answering, and thanks for doing this public service.
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101028 tn?1419603004
Well you aren't quoting from my post even though you directed this towards me but I'll answer you anyways.

Hsv2 oral infections aren't all that common. Studies estimate that only about 3% of all oral herpes infections are due to hsv2.  In folks who do have hsv2 orally - it doesn't reoccur very often on average and it also doesn't shed very often in otherwise immunocompetent folks.  So yes in theory you could contract hsv2 genitally from receiving oral sex but it's not likely to happen.  

grace
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Avatar universal
You said, "However, genital herpes infections can ONLY be transmitted through contact with the infected area (the genitals)."

Are you saying that a man CANNOT get HSV2 by receiving unprotected oral sex from an HSV2-infected woman because he does not contact her genitals?

I know that HSV1 can be transmitted from her to him on his genitals, but I also thought that HSV2 could be transmitted mouth-to-penis.  Am I wrong?
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101028 tn?1419603004
How were you diagnosed?  Blood test? Lesion culture?

grace
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Avatar universal
My doctor told me I have HSV type 2.
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101028 tn?1419603004
How were you diagnosed as having herpes?  I will gladly take a look at your blood work if you want to post the numeric results here - ie hsv1 igg 5.7 and hsv2 igg .23 or whatever they are.

Just as bad choices asked - do you have oral herpes, genital herpes or both?

grace
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Avatar universal
Its important to distinguish between oral and genital infections.  HSV1 typically is an oral infection, and leads to garden variety "cold sores" (painful blisters on the lip).  Most adults are positive for HSV1.  Most children contract it sometime during childhood.

HSV2 is primarily genital.  Some carriers are "asymptomatic" (that is, they don't ever get blisters/sores on their genitals) but can still infect others.

However, genital herpes infections can ONLY be transmitted through contact with the infected area (the genitals).

You don't say which kind of herpes you were diagnosed with.  If HSV1, its not a big deal at all.  If HSV2, you may need to adjust your sexual practices (most people consider it important to alert sexual partners), but there is no way that you can transmit this to your children.

Good luck.
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