chances of getting herpes 2 if have herpes 1

[Annie_M77]

Hi,
I recently got a blood test for herpes, and the test showed positive for hsv-1.  I thought I read somewhere that if you have hsv-1 in your system, your chances of getting hsv-2 is slim.  Is this true?  If it is does this mean hsv-1 makes you immune to hsv-2?

[gracefromHHP]

Actually hsv1 doesn't give you any significant protection at all from contracting hsv2.  The groups that have the highest hsv1 infection rates, also have the highest hsv2 infection rates.

Hsv1 does take the edge off of a hsv2 infection though and makes it more likelythat you'll be infected with hsv2 and never know it until tested.

grace

[JLeeT]

I had read the same thing somewhere, that if you have 1 you are not likely to get the other. Well, i recently tested + for both. When i asked my dr., he said its just the opposite, you are more likely to get the other if you are more likely to get both.

[lynne50626]

I'm going to say that you can still get HSV2 and you are not immune to it. If you have unprotected sex with someone who has it then you can still get it.