HSV-1 Positive Results Today
Posted , 4 users are following.
Ugh, so I got the dreaded phone call from the doctor this morning. "Your swab came back positive for HSV-1." I'm not really sure how I feel today - getting actual work done seems impossible and I'm really sad overall. I did have a couple questions for other people with genital HSV-1 if anyone is able to give me some answers:
1) How many outbreaks did you have in the first year? Any after? (Those sores are so painful - I'd like to know what to expect).
2) Can outbreaks occur back to back or it usually take time between them? I just cleared my initial outbreak and am going on vacation next week, would really love for it to not come back while on vacation. :-/
3) Is it worth doing supressive meds on HSV-1? My doctor told me she would give me the prescription but that I can take them either before I feel an outbreak starting or regularly for the first couple of months.
4) Is BV common with outbreaks? During my intial outbreak I also had BV which has not cleared up thanks to meds.
Thanks guys, I'm glad I have people to talk to here.
0 likes, 8 replies
amy07772 sarah12839
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sarah12839 amy07772
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My doctor told me me that with HSV-1 we are only really contagious right before and during the outbreak. She said it's also very rare to pass it to someone that already has cold sores (hard for the virus to live in both places).
Did you get a fever with your outbreak? I didn't have a fever but I feel completely worn out and tired all the time. Oh, and my back hurts. My sores are mostly healed but still feel generally blah.
amy07772 sarah12839
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jordan86846 sarah12839
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sarah12839 jordan86846
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FelizCastus sarah12839
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2. Unlikely.
3. Usually recommended for HSV-2 only. Can consider daily meds if you are in a discordant relationship (or planning on sex) and want to reduce transmission risk, or if you are a rare exception and have frequent outbreaks (but can't tell if you take daily meds immediately). HSV experts say to watch and see for several months to a year first, as you may need nothing.
4. Associated for some women, but not all.
sarah12839 FelizCastus
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FelizCastus sarah12839
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Regarding daily suppressive therapy, if you have a partner who already has oral HSV-1, or you are single and not planning on being sexually active (casual or otherwise) anytime soon, then best to see how your body handles the virus without meds first.
Genital HSV-1 is usually mild after the first outbreak and far less recurrent. It is also much less infectious, but care should nevertheless be taken in the first 3-4 months (with others, including yourself after touching lesions or the infected area - remember to wash your hands), as that is when viral shedding is highest and when you are still building antibodies.