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Questions about Herpes
I had an encounter with a massage parlor employee in 2005. We engaged in protected oral and vaginal sex. No kissing or any other contact. A few weeks after that I had an outbreak that lasted for 7-10 days which was diagnosed as chicken pox. The diagnosis was made by the doctor based on visual examination. There were no blood tests done at the time for me. The boils were concentrated on my chest and face, but were present on other parts of as well, such as arms. However, I did not have any on my penis or scrotum as far as I recall. This episode was accompanied by fever. Could this have been herpes? Since then, I have not had any outbreaks.
Is there a test that I can have done to tell if it was Herpes or really chicken pox? Are they sufficiently different in nature to tell the difference? I had put the chicken episode behind me and had not thought much about it since. But, the reason for such a delayed question now is because I am having a HIV test done now, and happened to be reading the forums on all STDs when I started thinking back about my "chicken ox" episode.
Also, my last such encounter with a massage parlor employee was back in April of this year (Hence the HIV test now). I have been having a dryness in my throat for several days. Drinking lots of water seems to keep it under control. I have not seen any other problems such as lesions, blisters, etc around my mouth. Could dryness of throat be related to oral herpes?
I have these fears that I am trying to work through to make sure I have not contacted anything via my risky behavior. Any answers/advice would be deeply appreciated.
Is there a test that I can have done to tell if it was Herpes or really chicken pox? Are they sufficiently different in nature to tell the difference? I had put the chicken episode behind me and had not thought much about it since. But, the reason for such a delayed question now is because I am having a HIV test done now, and happened to be reading the forums on all STDs when I started thinking back about my "chicken ox" episode.
Also, my last such encounter with a massage parlor employee was back in April of this year (Hence the HIV test now). I have been having a dryness in my throat for several days. Drinking lots of water seems to keep it under control. I have not seen any other problems such as lesions, blisters, etc around my mouth. Could dryness of throat be related to oral herpes?
I have these fears that I am trying to work through to make sure I have not contacted anything via my risky behavior. Any answers/advice would be deeply appreciated.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Chickenpox is pretty uncommon in adults, and most adults are quite sick--not just a touch of fever. But if the doc who examined you is highly experienced with the disease, the diganosis probably is accurate. Still, most knowledgeable providers would do lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Whatever you had, you can be sure it wasn't a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, either HSV-1 or HSV-2. On rare occasions, an initial HSV infection can disseminate, with widespread skin lesions. However, all such persons are extremely ill--much more so than with chickenpox, for example, generally sick enough to require hospitalization, sometimes life-threatening. And in most such persons, the earliest and most prominent symptoms would be oral (HSV-1) or genital (HSV-1 or -2). And since you had safe sex, the likelihood of catching herpes or any STD during the exposure you describe was very low.
If you remain concerned, see a health care provider and ask about blood testing to see if you are infected with HSV of either type. If positive, though, it won't necessarily mean the illness you describe was due to HSV. Half the population have HSV-1 and a quarter have HSV-2, mostly without symptoms.
Your dry throat doesn't suggest herpes, HIV, or any STD.
If you're concerned about HIV, why haven't you been tested?
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Whatever you had, you can be sure it wasn't a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, either HSV-1 or HSV-2. On rare occasions, an initial HSV infection can disseminate, with widespread skin lesions. However, all such persons are extremely ill--much more so than with chickenpox, for example, generally sick enough to require hospitalization, sometimes life-threatening. And in most such persons, the earliest and most prominent symptoms would be oral (HSV-1) or genital (HSV-1 or -2). And since you had safe sex, the likelihood of catching herpes or any STD during the exposure you describe was very low.
If you remain concerned, see a health care provider and ask about blood testing to see if you are infected with HSV of either type. If positive, though, it won't necessarily mean the illness you describe was due to HSV. Half the population have HSV-1 and a quarter have HSV-2, mostly without symptoms.
Your dry throat doesn't suggest herpes, HIV, or any STD.
If you're concerned about HIV, why haven't you been tested?
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Dear Doctor,
Thank you for your quick response. Surprisingly, my doctor did not recommend any tests while I had the outbreak. I assumed it was chicken pox as well and let it at that.
As for HIV concerns, I did have myself tested after 6 weeks of my last encounter which came back as negative. I am getting this test done as a conclusive final test.
I shall request a blood test for chicken pox and herpes so I know for sure.
My wife also had the symptoms a few days after I did, but in a much milder form. Both of us had not had it as children. However, she did get herself vaccinated right after I was diagnosed. I do not know if that would have had any effect. Also, she delivered a baby 3 weeks ago. My question is, would the herpes have shown up when they did pap smears on her during the pregnancy?
Thank you for your quick response. Surprisingly, my doctor did not recommend any tests while I had the outbreak. I assumed it was chicken pox as well and let it at that.
As for HIV concerns, I did have myself tested after 6 weeks of my last encounter which came back as negative. I am getting this test done as a conclusive final test.
I shall request a blood test for chicken pox and herpes so I know for sure.
My wife also had the symptoms a few days after I did, but in a much milder form. Both of us had not had it as children. However, she did get herself vaccinated right after I was diagnosed. I do not know if that would have had any effect. Also, she delivered a baby 3 weeks ago. My question is, would the herpes have shown up when they did pap smears on her during the pregnancy?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Get tested as you wish, but if positive for any of those viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV/chickenpox), there still will be no way to know when you were infected.
Most obstetrictions do not routinely test pregnant women for herpes. Pap testing doesn't show it. The HSV blood test is needed.
HHH, MD
Most obstetrictions do not routinely test pregnant women for herpes. Pap testing doesn't show it. The HSV blood test is needed.
HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
