no outbreak in 15 yrs

[DTJB]

My husband gave me herpes when we started dating 30 yrs ago.  He was diagnosed, but I never was.  I got an initial outbreak and just assumed that's what it was.  I got 3-4 more in the next few years, but have not had an outbreak in about 15 years. Its been completely dormant since then and is basically a non-issue.  I am now divorced and dating someone.  What are the chances that I could give it to him even tho its not active?  I dont want to freak him out over nothing so should I tell him?

[gracefromHHP]

the virus sheds on the surface of the skin in between obvious lesions.  this is covered in the handbook I recommended too.  

[DTJB]

Thanks Grace.  So I'm contagious even without an outbreak?  I thought you had to be exposed to the virus to get it and without an active lesion, how would he be exposed to the virus?  It's not in our body fluids like HIV and other STDs are as far as I know.
This is the first person I have to have the "talk" with, what do I say?
I'll also look up the handbook. Thanks

[gracefromHHP]

you are still just as contagious as someone who has up to 10 ob's a year actually.

At this point you should pursue a type specific herpes igg blood test to see if you have hsv1 or hsv2 as the cause of your herpes since you aren't having frequent recurrences to get a lesion culture done. Knowing your full herpes status and knowing that of any potential partners helps you both to make educated decisions regarding what precautions to take.

the herpes handbook is free to read online or print out at home. Just google it and it comes up right away. It's written by Terri Warren and is filled with accurate information for both you and your potential partner.

also remember that this is a discussion, not a confession. it's as much about his own std history and testing as your own when you have your "talk" about this.

grace