Positive HSV-1 genitally... can you get HSV-1 orally?

[bs1968]

I have read a bit online about this question, but mostly the answers seem to address the question of the opposite direction, i.e. people who have HSV-1 orally worried about a second infection of HSV-1 genitally.  In that case, the answer seems to be it's very unlikely due to the antibodies we build to the virus.

But what if your primary outbreak of HSV-1 was genital?  Given that the "preferred" site of this type is oral, is the risk still vanishingly low of ever acquiring the same type orally?  Or greater?

How long does it typically take for antibodies to be at a level that is "highly protective"?  My primary outbreak was about 4 weeks ago (verified by culture, with blood test negative for both types.  My girlfriend was positive for HSV-1 by blood test and genital culture, but has never had symptoms, and was unaware of being a carrier).

Given that she and I both tested positive genitally for HSV-1, we are now wanting to take reasonable precautions to not cause each other to develop oral HSV-1.  We are also both considering taking the antiviral medications at least for some period of time, to minimize outbreaks.

Thanks for any comments or insight on this matter.

[auntiejessi]

If your gf didn't ever have symptoms, what was cultured?

It can take up to 4 months to develop antibodies, but most do sooner than that.  In the meantime, just avoid contact when she has an ob.

AJ

[kaldzzz]

so your saying you never had symptoms? if so how was the cultured test being done? also i know that once u have hsv in your body you can't have it anywhere else, if u have that type on your genitals, you can't get it elsewhere on your mouth etc. and vice versa.