Transmission

[Sally321]

I have had HSV2 for 20 years. I also believe I have it orally as I gave oral sex to my activly infected partner back then.  I have never been oficially tested but have regular outbreaks, which have not decreased in severity. At times I think they are worse. I have also had some sensory burning around the spine and neck which my neurologist attributes to the herpes virus. He added there is not a lot of data on it though. I recently had a wild week long affair, no intercourse, no receiving of, but giving oral sex (what was I thinking, Should have read this forum 1st) Do you think I have infected my partner? I had a terrible sore throat and small little blisters on the inside of my mouth 2 days after our last encounter. I think I have had those little ulcers before on the inside of my lips tongue and gums, never on the outside of my lips. My partner did have a cold sore.... I'm woried I've given him the HSV2 virus in more than one place. I know over the years he has been quite sexually active, if he breaks out what are the chances it was me and not a previous partner??Your thoughts Doc are appreciated.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

If you haven't had recurrent oral herpes lesions, probably you do not have oral HSV-2.  It's possible, but not likely; and if so, asymptomatic oral shedding is much less common than for the genital area.  Despite you neurologist's opinion, I doubt your burning sensations are not due to herpes.  (Did your neurologist specifically come up with that explanation, or only after you prodded him for an explanation?)

Presumably your opening statement means you have had symptomatic recurrent genital herpes lesions.  If you have oral herpes, the outbreaks of the mouth will be essentially the same:  blister-like lesions that appear, typically on or near the lips (and never inside the mouth), turn into open sores, then heal with scabs over 7-10 days.  The description of your oral symptoms doesn't sound like HSV.

If your partner develops herpes, I have no way of knowing whether he acquired it from you or someone else.  Perhaps the first step is for him to be tested to see if he has HSV-2; and, if not, for the two of you to take appropriate precautions to protect him.  Also, if your HSV-2 infection was never confirmed by lab testing, you probably should have a blood test yourself.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[sparkeler]

If you have HSV2 genitally then most likely you don't have it orally.  You could have both HSV1 (oral herpes) and HSV2 (genital herpes.)  But they are 2 seperate viruses.  Once a person has acquired either (or both viruses,) they are pretty much immune to reinfecting themselves on any other part of their body.  If you gave your partner oral sex while you were having an hsv1 outbreak you could have passed it to him on his genitals.  However, if he was already infected with HSV1, (most people acquire it as children)then it's unlikely.  You should avoid all sexual activity if you think you are having an outbreak.  (Oral or genital.)  It would also be a good idea to read through these archives or read up on both herpes viruses to educate yourself on how and when it's transmitted.

[Sally321]

I wasn't aware of any obvious mouth outbreak at the time...I've become increasingly concerned after reading many posts. Isn't it probable if you have oral sex with a person who has a visible outbreak you can aquire it orally as well?  For me I don't know which was infected first oral or genital.

[sparkeler]

Hmm you raise a good question.

Doctor is it possible to have both herpes 1&2 orally?

[Sally321]

The neurologist is a leading MS expert. If I remember correctly he said the virus can damage the nerves, especially over time and with the number of outbreaks suggested famvir for 2-3 years. If Im understanding you Dr. with no visible outbreaks on the outside lip area, and only ulcers inside the mouth HSV2 is highly unlikely?