Herpes Transimission

[cautsleep]

I recently engaged in relations with a girl who reveal to me she has Genital Herpes HSV-1. She has not had an outbreak in several years and was not experiencing one during the encounter.

We did not have sex, but she did perform oral sex on me as well as let me finger her. At no point did my penis come in contact with her genitals, but there was some heavy spooning. I am afraid that 1. I may have unconscioulsy touched myself during the episode and 2. was exposed to the virus as this activity took place in her bed which may be a resting ground for viruses.

Am I at risk for herpes?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Short Answer -NO.

A little elaboration:
1.  Genital HSV-1 is less infectious, on average, than genital HSV-2;  fewer recurrences, less asymptomatic shedding.
2.  Your exposures were low risk.  Touching yourself after touching her is not a risky, exposure, nor is her performing oral sex on you.
3.  Genital herpes is not spread by inanimate objects.  You cannot get infected from being on the bed of someone who has genital herpes.

Relax and appreciate the fact that she trusted you enough to let you know that she has genital herpes.  Not everyone would be so forthright.  EWH

[cautsleep]

Doc,

I'm starting to experience a lot of itching and redness right about now. Is my mind playing tricks on me or is this something I should be concerned with?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Dr. Hook is away from the forum for a few days.

Herpes doesn't cause that sort of symptom.  You don't say the exact location etc, but jock itch is the most common cause of genital area itching and redness.  If it's mostly in the groin and/or on the scrotum, try an over the counter antifungal product, like Lamisil.  If that doesn't clear it up quickly, see a health care provider.  Forget herpes.

I agree with Dr. Hook's response above.  We won't have any further comments for you.