Experiencing very first outbreak and scared

[need_light]

I am going through my first outbreak and I have to wait 1 week before I know if it is HSV 1 or 2. Could anyone provide some insight as to if there is a difference between the outbreaks depending if it's one or the other-- e.g. is it less sever if it is hsv 1?

My doctor has put me on Valtrex. I've been taking it for 2 days and I'm not sure what I am suppose to be noticing because it is still very painful. The pain killers are kind of helping but just making more drowsy if anything. Is there anything I can do to alleviate the discomfort or speed along the outbreak?

I am scared I may have infected my ex-bf but also not sure if he is the one who gave it to me. But if I did give it to hime, is it possible that I may have passed this to him given the below chain of events? When is it most contagious?

Day 1- slept with herpes suspect but used condom
Day 3- slept with ex-bf, no condom and oral
Day 4- slept with ex-bf, with condom
Day 8- outercourse, no penetration
Day 10-  slept with ex-bf, with condom
Day 12- first sign of outbreak

Any answers would really help put my mind at ease.No amount of the codeine is helping with the emotional pain.

Thanks,
Distraught


This discussion is related to New genital HSV-1 questions.

[webcrawler]

Hi,

Unfortunately, you cannot tell which type it is by your initial outbreak. In order to resolve the situation, you should do the following:

1. You should probably pick a moment and talk with your x-BF about this. You have to make the decision on when, i.e. now or when you get your final results. The most ethical thing would be now. The most human thing may be when you have all the information.

2. The same goes for your previous partner (except that I would feel less ethically obligated. You either got it from him or got it after you had sex with him.)

3. Your x-BF should have a type specific blood test. So should your previous partner. However a recent infection may not show on the tests.


Read the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com for more information. Unfortunately the few days before and during your outbreaks will be your most contagious. Your contact with your BF fits right in that range. If he is the source, it is not a big worry. You guys can figure it out once you find out what type it is.

[need_light]

Thanks AJ, that was helpful.  

If my outbreak now is severe, does that indicate it's type 2? Also, is it 100% that I would have passed it to my ex? I care for him and don't want to subject him to this.

I read somewhere it is hard for guys to get it than woman. And when is this the most contagious-- during the first outbreak, only during outbreaks, etc?

[auntiejessi]

Oh forgot some questions, didn't I?

As to the difference between type 1 and 2, type 1 usually has fewer, milder outbreaks.  About 50% of those with ghsv1 will never have another ob past their first.

I can promise you though that no other ob will ever be this bad again, whether you have type 1 or 2.

Aj

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

I'm sorry you are going through all this.  :(

As to who gave it to whom, and when, its going to be really hard to know without both partners testing.  If they take a type specific IgG blood test now, and they have your type, then its possible they are your source.  If they are negative now, and positive later, you might be their source.

As far as pain, there are a few things you can do.

Keep the area as dry as possible, and whenever possible, go without bottoms.  When you get home, put on a nightie or robe or something, and let the air dry things out.

When you have to urinate, pour water over yourself, or pee in a tub.  This helps dilute the acid in your urine, and also make sure to drink a lot of water.  That helps dilute the acid, too, and that's why it hurts when it hits sores.

Sit on a bag of frozen peas.  I know it sounds funny, but it molds to your body better than an ice pack.

Call your doctor and ask for a prescription of lidocaine gel, preferably 4%.  If your doctor won't give you that, and you are in the US, go to any grocery or drug store and look for Dermoplast.  Make sure you get the blue can, not the red.  Walmart also carries it, don't know about Target or Costco, but I would imagine they do.

The valtrex is going to take a few days to work.  What dose are you taking?

Hope this helps some.

Aj