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HSV-2 Exposure, Latency, and Testing
I had unprotected sex (intercourse and oral) with a girl 3-days ago who I found out has HSV-2 for 3 years. We used a hefty amount of KY lube (i.e. reduced friction) but I am obviously very, very concerned about contracting it.
She told me that she was diagnosed 3-years ago and has been on Acyclovir for 3-years (taking twice daily) and has not had an out-break in those three years since beginning the antiviral.
My situation: Just came out of a 5-year monogamous relationship where we always had unprotected sex. Never saw a sign or symptom over that time of having HSV-2 in either of us. Pretty sure I contracted HSV-1 from her via kissing (sore at the corner of the mouth). I have had 2 sores over the last 5 years. I have never been tested for a full std panel, so I have no baseline.
I'm very interested in getting the thoughts from the professionals who have seen or dealt with these situations before. In the grand scheme of things (i.e. her taking antiviral for 3 years, supposedly no current outbreak, single night exposure), here are my questions:
1. What do you suppose my relative risk is of contracting the virus given the situation? (comments about Acyclovir, risk reduction, and asymptomatic shedding are welcome)
2. How long should I wait to get tested? What test should I get in the suggested time frame?
3. While I understand that every body/immune system is different, what is the median time for someone to see initial signs/symptoms due to new infection?
4. What are those very common signs and symptoms and at what stages do they typically progress? (i.e. flu-like symptoms....then swelling of lymph nodes....then itching sores....????)
5. Does having HSV-1 for 5 years offer any protection against HSV-2 infection or susceptibility of transmission?
She told me that she was diagnosed 3-years ago and has been on Acyclovir for 3-years (taking twice daily) and has not had an out-break in those three years since beginning the antiviral.
My situation: Just came out of a 5-year monogamous relationship where we always had unprotected sex. Never saw a sign or symptom over that time of having HSV-2 in either of us. Pretty sure I contracted HSV-1 from her via kissing (sore at the corner of the mouth). I have had 2 sores over the last 5 years. I have never been tested for a full std panel, so I have no baseline.
I'm very interested in getting the thoughts from the professionals who have seen or dealt with these situations before. In the grand scheme of things (i.e. her taking antiviral for 3 years, supposedly no current outbreak, single night exposure), here are my questions:
1. What do you suppose my relative risk is of contracting the virus given the situation? (comments about Acyclovir, risk reduction, and asymptomatic shedding are welcome)
2. How long should I wait to get tested? What test should I get in the suggested time frame?
3. While I understand that every body/immune system is different, what is the median time for someone to see initial signs/symptoms due to new infection?
4. What are those very common signs and symptoms and at what stages do they typically progress? (i.e. flu-like symptoms....then swelling of lymph nodes....then itching sores....????)
5. Does having HSV-1 for 5 years offer any protection against HSV-2 infection or susceptibility of transmission?
Verysaddude: Thanks for responding! I appreciate anyone's experience and guidance at this point because I'm pretty desperate for information. What's your experience with risk exposure for those on Acyclovir? I see quite a bit of research on valacyclovir, but not much on some of the alternatives. Viral shedding is the biggest concern of mine at this point. It sounds like I can only wait and see. I will be seeing a Dr. tomorrow and explain the situation. I don't know if antivirals is a good idea at this point just to give my immune system a boost to eliminate the virus, if possible at all.
Treesnake: What was your experience like after you found out? Was it a recent or past exposure? What's your current situation? How did things pan out?
Treesnake: What was your experience like after you found out? Was it a recent or past exposure? What's your current situation? How did things pan out?
FYI..if you want the experts you have to post this on the Herpes Expert forum..this board is people who have it and can provide insight based on their experience or knowlege of Herpes.
1. Very low, especially since she was on suppresive therapy but still possible.
2. You should have a IGG specific test 3 to 4 months after the last sexual encounter
3. Most people who show symptoms show them in first 2 - 20 days of infection (but this is not an exact science here)
4. I think most people have these symptoms and then a primary outbreak all within a 2 to 3 week period.
5. No it doesn't. But from what I've read, it makes it more likely that you might not show symptoms or have an outbreak.
1. Very low, especially since she was on suppresive therapy but still possible.
2. You should have a IGG specific test 3 to 4 months after the last sexual encounter
3. Most people who show symptoms show them in first 2 - 20 days of infection (but this is not an exact science here)
4. I think most people have these symptoms and then a primary outbreak all within a 2 to 3 week period.
5. No it doesn't. But from what I've read, it makes it more likely that you might not show symptoms or have an outbreak.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
