Pos Herpes-Returned from doc with unclear diagnosis

[wingman68]

Six days ago I had unprotected sex(oral and vaginal). Two days later I noticed a small redish rash on my penis on the upper area at the base. It was an oval shape almost rectangular about an inch and half in width, with a few "lines" appearing redder than the rest. No noticable "pimples or nodules".

Day 2- I began to have flu like symptoms(sore throat,tiredness). Slight discomfort when urinating.

Day 5- the rash had faded. flu symptoms slightly worse.(Although not terrible still went to work etc.)

Day 6- Realized through online research I may have contracted herpes and went to doc. He said he couldn't tell because the rash was gone. But, my description indicates a good chance of infection. Put me on Valtrex.
(Discomfort when urinating has subsided.)

I also feel a slight tingling in my lips. Very worried about oral infection. No visible signs yet.

I guess I just want to know if there is any chance I don't have it.

And if I do have oral as well. How contagious am I? And how can I know if I do have oral herpes? Very worried about spreading it.

I am feeling quite desperate and would be great full for any guidance you can give me.

  

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Neither your genital rash, your other symptoms, nor your oral symptoms sound like herpes and I doubt you were infected. That is, I strongly disagree that 'my description indicates a good chance of infection'.  I would have recommended against Valtrex treatment and suggest you stop it and see what happens to your symptoms.   If you don't develop typical symptoms of the genitals or mouth (blister-like sores), then you can be pretty certain you weren't infected.  To be completely certain, you could have a blood test about 3 months from now.  But all things considered, herpes does not seem likely.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[wingman68]

Do you believe I was not infected because of the type and duration of my rash?
In other words, either the rash would have looked like the typical herpes cluster or no rash at all(as many show no symptoms)?

And as far as my flu-like symptoms. Are they usually only associated with a severe case?

I apologize for the redundancy in my questioning. But, having everything clarified will ease my mind a bit.
    
And thank you for your first response.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You simply do not describe any symtoms that sound like those caused by genital herpes.  The type and duration of the rash are part of it.  The "flu like" symptoms associated with herpes only occur in the presence of overt, painful genital lesions--usually large numbers of lesions and extremely painful.  And sore throat isn't part of the symptoms.

Presumably you came to the forum hoping for reassurance.  You have it.  Don't try to talk yourself into believing you have it.  

HHH, MD

[wingman68]

Thank you Doctor. Yes I do feel better. I will still have the test in 3 months as it close enough to my yearly screening anyway.
Thanks again for your dedication to this site.