Odds of infection

[Ka1276]

Hello Doctors, I thank you for what you do. I wish i didn't have to get on here, but it is a great resource!

I recently had a sexual encounter with a woman who told me she had herpes, She said she was on daily valtrex right after we finished up. I think she trusts valtrex more than I do. I immediately regret this decision. I gave her oral sex, and our genitals did touch but there was no penetration without a condom Anyway I haven't had any symptoms, but have read so much contradictory information that it is very difficult to figure things out. I would like to know if you think I might have contracted herpes from:

Oral sex that I gave her.
Our genitals did touch without a condom.
Sex with a condom.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I have reviewed your interactions with Auntie Jessie in the STD Community.  Auntie Jessie and your partner are right, your risk of getting herpes from the single exposure you describe are very, very small.  Here are the reasons:

1.  Your partner was taking daily valacyclovir.  This reduced risk of getting herpes by about 50%
2.  You used a condom for genital sex.  This too greatly reduces risk of herpes with its effects being additive to those of the valacyclovir.
3.  Most exposures to partners with herpes, even if they have a lesion, do not result in infection.
4.  You do not mention the timing of your exposure but if it was more than 10 days ago and I suspect that is the case given how long you've been posting on the STD Community site, you have not developed herpes lesions and you would have by now.

The only exposure of risk that you mention, since your genital contact was condom protected, is your unprotected oral exposure to this partner.  Transmission of genital herpes to the mouth through oral sex does occur but more rarely than genital-genital transmission.

Bottom line, your risk is low.  In fact, it is lower than exposure to other partners who may have HSV but don't know it.  There is nothing in your post to suggest you have gotten herpes.  Unless you note lesions, I would recommend no further testing.  If a lesion appears, get it cultured or tested by PCR ASAP.  As for blood tests, they may not turn positive for up to 3 months.  In addition, if you have a blood test and it is positive, it will not tell you how long you have been infected or where the infection is.  Not sure you want to go that route.  it is your call.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I repeat, your risk is very low and, as I said before, it is unlikey that you caught herpes from the single encounter you described.  As far as is it possible -sure.  It is also possible that you will be hit by lightening while reading this and that the Easter Burrny is real.  You are responding like the hypochonidriac that you say you are.   I have oultlined the steps I would suggest before.  Please don't go worrying yourself silly.  There is nothing to be gained.  EWH

[Ka1276]

Thanks Doc!

[Ka1276]

One more question. Is it possible to have ZERO symptoms after you have been Infected?

Thanks!

[Ka1276]

Thank You for your reply, everyone has been very helpful. What if someone is an asymptomatic carrier. Is it also difficult to contract herpes from a one time encounter from them?

Should I get tested before I have sex again just in case? I feel like that is what I need to do, but I'm also a huge hypochondriac. I have been worried about stds since I was about eight years old. I suppose that is a bit irrational.

Thank You so much!