Got the call...

Posted , 4 users are following.

So, I finally got ahold of the clinic since they were taking too long to let me know my results. I was positive for type 1...can you tell me how this is better than type 2? Is it as bad, do you "shed" as much, is it something that you still need to be open up about right away, is it easier to explain to someone?

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Posted

    HSV1 prefers and thrives in the oral location. HSV2 prefers genitals. How I understood it was generally if you contract hsv1 genitally the outbreaks are fewer and less severe after the primary outbreak.. Because it doesn't favor this area it doesn't cause as much issues down there as hsv2 would. HSV1 sheds 11 or so days a year while hsv2 sheds more I believe closer to 40 days. (don't hold me to that number though) HSV1 can be spread from genital to genital, genital to oral, oral to oral, and oral to genital.
  • Posted

    Didn't verify the shedding figures, but Jordan is correct. Also, while HSV-1 can spread genitally, this is less common due to the greatly reduced shedding in its non-preferred site. Most genital HSV-1 is acquired via oral sex.

    Although it prefers the mouth, HSV-1 is less picky about where it ends up and is nearly always the cause of non-oral/genital herpes (e.g., ocular/eye herpes, herpetic whitlow/gladiatorum), so take care after touching, especially during your primary outbreak.

    Genital HSV-1 is considered to be so mild after the first outbreak and less contagious that daily suppressive therapy is not usually advised or needed. Sex with condoms and outside of outbreaks should be sufficient.

    If someone has had cold sores before, then they should be generally protected from acquiring it genitally, though exceptions exist. People with HSV-2 won't catch HSV-1, but the opposite is not true.

    • Posted

      My first outbreak was last Sunday and has already cleared up. It was terrible. I couldn't even sit without it hurting. So, if I do stick to suppressive therapy would I be fine? When are you allowed to have sex again? Just questions...
    • Posted

      I wouldn't do suppressive therapy. Experts know more than docs, and they say no need for Type 1. Also, you cannot tell how your body is going to naturally handle GH if you immediately go on meds.

      Even for Type 2, they advise waiting for several months to a year first, unless you're part of a discordant couple, because you may discover its fine without meds, and why take daily meds if you don't need them?

      Type 1 primary outbreaks are usually worse, but milder and far less afterwards, maybe just 0-1 times a year. If you're unlucky and get it bad often, which is not the norm for Type 1, then you may wish to go on suppressive therapy.

    • Posted

      Sex is okay once your outbreak has cleared and the skin fully healed.

      After a primary outbreak, personally I'd wait longer as your vag just went through helI and back, lol. If you're not in a relationship, longer still, but that's just me. Bear in mind you are most contagious and susceptible during a primary outbreak.

      Do not have sex during any outbreak, or when you notice signs of an impending outbreak (prodrome).

    • Posted

      The person that gave this too me has no idea they have it. I have no intention of telling them either. I refuse to have him try and put the blame on me or tell people. I'm at college and don't need that, but he does ask me to hangout constantly (meaning only one thing).
    • Posted

      Prodrome relates to subsequent outbreaks, and each person is different. Some don't even get noticeable signs, but if they do, they typically include itching, tingling and/or shooting nerve pain anywhere in the lower body (even the legs). Within hours to days, an outbreak will usually occur.
  • Posted

    I know it's very difficult, but you should figure a way of approaching and telling that person. Some people can be carriers, that means they display no symptoms. If you don't that person will pass the virus on to many other unsuspecting people, and he will never take the right steps to protecting himself from others. 
    • Posted

      I think she got it from oral sex, since it's Type 1, so that means he probably gets cold sores, which he ought to usually notice. Not sure if it's as important to mention in that case. Type 2 would be a whole other story, however.
    • Posted

      My doctor and the clinic said I didn't need to tell him.
    • Posted

      That's what weird we didn't do anything orally...but he slept/did stuff w a few girls before me. I think someone gave it to him orally and then I'm that unlucky 1% who got it genitally because I've never had a cold sore in my life, so my body couldn't fight it since it's never had the virus sad
    • Posted

      Oh, wow, that would be quite unusual, but not impossible. You're still lucky, though. Better Type 1 than Type 2!
  • Posted

    As far as informing the person who gave it to you.. You could always send an anonymous text or message saying one of your recent partners has tested positive for hsv1 and would be in your best interest to get tested to prevent spreading of the virus any further. That way it's not your name and he was given a warning and chance to prevent infecting more people. Just a thought I was in the same situation and did not want my name to be said.

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