First of all, I had not had sex in about 8 months. Since that time, I have had no symptoms, no blister, no rash, no problems with urination. Nothing.
Then, I hooked up with someone and he tells me that he has the rash and burning. He gets tested and finds out that he has Genital Herpes and blames me for not telling him. I don't think I have it.
Question is....How long do symptoms occur after you contract herpes? Wouldn't you know after 8 months? Also, is it possible to be only a carrier?

Please respond anyone! I'm convinced that I don't have it. I plan to get tested, anyway.

Hi there -

Yes, it is possible to be only a "carrier", although that term is somewhat misleading. With herpres, regardless of type or location, there are many people who do indeed have the virus, but have never shown a symptom. Hence the fact that so many people contract the virus after what was "safe sex".

If a person with herpes never shows a symptom, it is still possible to pass on the virus through shedding. As an example, my partner, whom I have been seeing for almost 2 years, never showed any symptoms of herpes. A month ago, after being with him over that long period, I had an outbreak. He still doesn't show symptoms, and would be what you call a carrier.

Have yourself tested, but be aware that the test will not indicate whether you have oral or genital herpes. I see you are in the US - other posts I've read recommend that you get the Herpeselect test, as it will indicate whether you have type 1 or type 2. Type 1 is USUALLY oral and Type 2 is USUALLY genital, but be aware that either type can be in either location.

As well, if you've ever had a cold sore in your life, you will be positive for herpes - once you've got it it always stays. So if you had one as a kid the test won't be indicative of when you contracted the virus.

Hope this information helps.

I haven't been intimate since 2004 - not because of H but another condition that nearly claimed my life. I have been working for the last 2 years fighting to find what was killing me and then repairing the damage the condition has done. I was finally feeling normal again. I figured that I might start dating soon, being a responsible person thought that I would have the gamut of tests run. No symptoms no problems just routine and I got a very big surprise. So yes, someone can have it and not even know it. Bad news it never goes away, good news it won't kill us. I was still shocked and still am dealing with the emotional side of it. But given the last few years I have had I a much quicker response time on realizing life is too short to sweat the small stuff.