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HSV 1 and wrestling
Background: 36 y/o male
Tested Sept 2009 HSV 1: < .50 and HSV 2 < .50 (forget actual scores)
Tested July 2010 HSV 1: 1.58 and HSV 2: .38
Have never experienced any HSV symptoms, including cold sores.
Dr. told me I was positive for HSV 1. Since researching on this site I have learned this is a low positive and it is possible this is a false positive.
My question is, if I am in fact HSV 1 positive, am I risk for spreading this to my training partners? I grapple (wrestle) competitively, 3 to 4 times a week.The gym environment breeds a lot of skin infections. There is always a lot of sweat, small scrapes and cuts, ring worm is not abnormal, staph once in blue moon. None of this is rampant but it occurs from time to time.
Another thought occurred to me, is it possible I contracted HSV 1 through wrestling? I have read about herpes gladiatorum but have never had any of those symptoms either (more prevalent on the head I believe - I am bald so this would be easy to see).
As far as my personal life, my current girlfriend of 6 months is the only partner I have had since 2008. It is a monogamous relationship and she has never had a cold sore since we have been together. (I dont believe she has been tested for HSV 1 or 2 so this is a wild card - but she has never had a sympton)
Any thoughts as to 1. Do I need to stop wrestling? (I really hope not!) 2. Is it worth a second test to confirm and put my mind at ease?
Thank you
Tested Sept 2009 HSV 1: < .50 and HSV 2 < .50 (forget actual scores)
Tested July 2010 HSV 1: 1.58 and HSV 2: .38
Have never experienced any HSV symptoms, including cold sores.
Dr. told me I was positive for HSV 1. Since researching on this site I have learned this is a low positive and it is possible this is a false positive.
My question is, if I am in fact HSV 1 positive, am I risk for spreading this to my training partners? I grapple (wrestle) competitively, 3 to 4 times a week.The gym environment breeds a lot of skin infections. There is always a lot of sweat, small scrapes and cuts, ring worm is not abnormal, staph once in blue moon. None of this is rampant but it occurs from time to time.
Another thought occurred to me, is it possible I contracted HSV 1 through wrestling? I have read about herpes gladiatorum but have never had any of those symptoms either (more prevalent on the head I believe - I am bald so this would be easy to see).
As far as my personal life, my current girlfriend of 6 months is the only partner I have had since 2008. It is a monogamous relationship and she has never had a cold sore since we have been together. (I dont believe she has been tested for HSV 1 or 2 so this is a wild card - but she has never had a sympton)
Any thoughts as to 1. Do I need to stop wrestling? (I really hope not!) 2. Is it worth a second test to confirm and put my mind at ease?
Thank you
A lack of symptoms is not a lack of the possibility of transmission. http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_oralherpes.cfm has good info on oral herpes for more reading.
the herpeselect still misses 1 out of 10 hsv1 infections too.
the herpeselect still misses 1 out of 10 hsv1 infections too.
Thanks Grace, appreciate the response. In your opinion, if I show no signs, do I need to be concerned about passing this along?
I realize now that most people have HSV 1 but I am very conscientious of my own health and want to be considerate to others as well. I just dont know how likely it is to pass it along given the nature of the sport, which is a bunch of guys sweating all over each other.
I forgot to mention the test was Herpeselect IGG, not IGM. From what I have read, IGM is pretty useless.
I realize now that most people have HSV 1 but I am very conscientious of my own health and want to be considerate to others as well. I just dont know how likely it is to pass it along given the nature of the sport, which is a bunch of guys sweating all over each other.
I forgot to mention the test was Herpeselect IGG, not IGM. From what I have read, IGM is pretty useless.
most adults have hsv1 whether they are getting obvious cold sores or not to know it.
Most wrestling clubs have clear rules as to herpes and how to handle it. generally it's recommended anyone who knows they have hsv1 be on daily suppressive therapy during wrestling season and to avoid wrestling when obvious cold sores are present. I recommend talking to someone in charge to find out what their rules are where you are at.
Even the best blood tests for herpes still miss 1 out of every 10 hsv1 infections. Not real unusual to be + on one test and not another like you have been.
grace
Most wrestling clubs have clear rules as to herpes and how to handle it. generally it's recommended anyone who knows they have hsv1 be on daily suppressive therapy during wrestling season and to avoid wrestling when obvious cold sores are present. I recommend talking to someone in charge to find out what their rules are where you are at.
Even the best blood tests for herpes still miss 1 out of every 10 hsv1 infections. Not real unusual to be + on one test and not another like you have been.
grace
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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.
