Confused about herpes symptoms

[mightaswellask88]

Hello. I apologize for making you answer a question you have been asked a million times, but it is very difficult to gather information off of the internet when symptoms seem to vary between individuals.

I am a 21 year old female who has had HSV-1 (oral) since I was a child. On the 14th of this month I had unprotected vaginal sex with someone I know. On the 18th I had pain during urination (felt like a UTI but I did not feel the need to urinate often, it simply burned whenever I did go). Along with the painful urination I had inflamed lymph nodes that were actually causing my groin to ache to the point I needed Ibuprofen.

On the 20th I went to get tested- nurse confirmed swollen lymph nodes and told me to go to my family doctor to get a urine sample which I did the following day. Doctor said there was a "trace" amount of bacteria in my urine which I assume couldn't have been enough to cause such discomfort. My STI results were all negative (did not test for herpes as it is too early, and nurse did not see any sores).

Since then I have had on and off aches and pains in my lower body (buttocks and legs), but mostly my right leg. What bothers me a lot is I have had burning in the sole of my right foot which I know can be a symptom of GH. This started last week, so about 11 or so days after any symptoms started showing.

I still have no visible lesions, but I have mild redness around the vulva.

So my questions are...

1) Does this sound like genital herpes?

2) For someone who already has HSV-1 antibodies, is it normal to experience such systematic symptoms (lymph nodes, aches) with an initial infection of genital HSV-2?

3) Should I be concerned about the burning in my feet if it occured about a week after initial symptoms? And if this were a symptom of GH, is it normal to last over a week? Sometimes it's almost mild enough for me to forget, and other times it is quite noticeable (especially in the shower with hot water running over it).

[mightaswellask88]

Thank you very much.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The question was not confusing but perhaps my reply was.  I realize that you note the swollen nodes an burning on urination soon after your exposure but, as I said, if your nodes were due to HSV you would have had lesions and you did not.  

I would not suggest an antibody test.  It is time for you to move forward and put these fears behind you.  EWH

[mightaswellask88]

Sorry I may have made the question confusing. Symptoms started four days after my encounter (happened on the 14th and painful urination occured on the 18th) not three weeks. Could a UTI cause such noticeably swollen nodes?

..And do you thi nk I should get an antibody test in two months, or should I put this stress behind me?

Once again thank you for your patience in answering a question you've had to anwer many times with people, it greatly relieved my anxiety.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  The encounter you describe does not sound particularly high risk.  Further, it appears the your question was written back in December and if that is the case it is now more than 3 weeks since your exposure, a time beyond when it woul be expected for a new HSV infection to manifest itself.  I'll work through your questions but my summary statement is that this really does not sound like an initial HSV infection.

1.  This does not sound like herpes. There are no lesions, inquinal lymph node swelling is quite non-specific an the pains you mention are not typical of HSV infection an coul be caused by many other sorts of processes.

2.   Persons who already have HSV-1 tend to have somewhat milder symptoms but the symtoms are the same.  As I mentioned above, your symptoms are not suggestive of HSV (the internet is very misleading on this- I would suggest doing your best to stay off it).

3. No, burning of the feet an legs are not a sign of acute or chronic HSV infections.  This is an internet myth.

You are correct, isolated lymph node swelling without sores is NOT suggestive of HSV.  If the node swelling is due to HSV, there should be lesions.

I hope my comments are helpful. This is not at all suggestive of HSV related to your potential exposure in December.  Take care.  EWH

[mightaswellask88]

And of course, but the 14th of this month I meant December. Already getting confused in the new year!

[mightaswellask88]

Sorry, reached the limit. One more questions..

Ive read in a few places that lymph node swelling goes hand in hand with visible sores, but I have also read that some sores can be very easy to miss or dont present themself like classic blisters.

Thank you very much for your time, and I apologize for the onslaught of questions.