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Difference between HSV1 and HSV2

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cf94251
cf94251

Hi all, some of you may have been following my last post but just to recap, I recently had unprotected sex with someone I just met and noticed sores in my genital area just a few days later. I went to the doctor and just received my test results back -- I tested positive for HSV1 but negative for HSV2. Can someone shed some light on this diagnosis? I thought HSV1 was cold sores. Any information about the difference between the two would be greatly appreciated! I'm also wondering what were people's next steps after getting their results back?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • ryan64668
    ryan64668 cf94251

    Posted

    Hsv1 is typically oral; however it can be spread to other areas as such. If a person has a cold sore and performs oral, you have transferred hsv1 but it stays as hsv1

    • cf94251
      cf94251 ryan64668

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply! I've read that HSV1 is less severe than HSV2 -- I know you're probably not a doctor, but do you know if it has the same transmission rate as cold sores even if it's presenting itself genitally?

  • cf94251
    cf94251

    Edited

    Does anyone know what this means as far as transmission? Is HSV1 just as spreadable even without an outbreak? I've been trying to look it up but most cases of HSV1 are oral (cold sores) so there isn't much info about having HSV1 genitally. Thanks!

    • xDx91xPi
      xDx91xPi cf94251

      Edited

      The risk of viral shedding in general for HSV1 and HSV2 decreases over time!

      So asymptomatic shedding usually can be linked with the amount of outbreaks a person has. However this can't really be tracked cause no one really knows when they are shedding. stats show HSV1 genitally sheds 5-10% of the time were as HSV2 genitally is a little higher at 10-20% of the time.

      Once again this is individually based. It is said that HSV1 is has less frequent outbreaks genitally as HSV2. But this is not always the case as someone with genital HSV1 could have more outbreaks depending how it effects them. Also if they are having more frequent outbreaks they will shed more then someone who has HSV2 and is asymptomatic of same.

      To cut a long story short HSV 1&2 very very similar and easy to transmit. One is not worse or better then the other has herpes is herpes and saying there is a better one to have already adds to the huge stigma people already face. The virus effects each person differently 😃

    • cf94251
      cf94251 xDx91xPi

      Posted

      Thank you so much for the detailed reply, I appreciate it!!

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