Oral HSV2

[monpolo]

Hello all, my girlfriend and I are in a healthy relationship together. She has recently told me she has oral HSV2 and has small outbreaks a few times a year. I have done some research online but there is only so much information out there. My biggest concerns are what is the likelihood I may contract this, what are some steps we can take besides avoiding contact during an outbreak, and also I am under the impression I have had cold sores (not canker sores) in the past which would mean I have HSV1 but I haven't had any sores in at least 10 years, is it possible I truly do have type 1 and how can I find out for sure? It is possible I was told it was a cold sore when it was a canker sore and the way I understand it, when you already have one type it's more difficult to get the other virus. I apologize for my senseless rambling but there are still so many things going through my head since she told me.

Thank you

[gracefromHHP]

Figured she was confuzled!  

Her hsv1 oral infection isn't an issue since you also have hsv1. I assume her eye hsv1 infection doesn't flare up much either but if it does, just don't touch it and you'll be fine.

grace

[monpolo]

Alright scratch that! She hasn't looked it up in a while she has type 1. I apologize for the confusion, but being as she's lived with this for years and me being the first to be told, there was a small misunderstanding.

[gracefromHHP]

It's not likely to be hsv2 orally ( or in her eye ) if she contracted it as a toddler.  I think she's confused. It's far more likely to be hsv1. She needs to follow up on testing as you already plan on doing.

If you both have hsv1 orally, it's not really an issue. Just don't perform oral sex on your partner if you have a cold sore ( or she on you if she has one ).

grace

[monpolo]

She contracted it as a toddler, I'm not entirely sure how she contracted it but it did cause a lesion on her eye leading to blindness in that eye. I am confused at her actually having type 2 orally, it may be possible she remembers incorrectly as she has been dealing with this for 18 years and I am the first person she has ever told outside of her family of course. She may have type 1 but she seems convinced it is type 2. I plan on us both visiting a physician soon to be tested and talk about risks/options, but until then I appreciate any and all knowledge I can find on this.

[gracefromHHP]

My first question is - how was she diagnosed with hsv2 orally?  For starters it's not all that common and having recurrences of oral hsv2 is even less common hence my question

grace