I just found out that I am HSV-2 positive... high IgG's or something like that. I knew I was HSV-1 positive three years ago. I have never had any OB's or symptoms. I am in a new relationship (1 year)and just found this information out. Is it possible to show a positive blood test result and never know or never show symptoms? How should (and will) this affect my lifestyle going forward, especially if my boyfriend is negative... or positive? Totally clueless on this subject! :-O

[This message has been edited by JustFoundOut (edited 04-08-2003).]

Hi JFO,

First let me say I'm sorry to hear you've got this. It's common to feel a bit of shock when you first find out, and when you discover it through a blood test and you haven't had symptoms, it can be a double shock.

Yes, it's very possible to have herpes and not have symptoms. In fact, as many as 90% of those who have genital herpes (typically caused by HSV-2) don't know it because they don't get symptoms or they don't recognise their symptoms as being herpes. This can go on for weeks, months or years. And about 20-25% of us has genital herpes. So you're far from alone.

Unfortunately it is still possible to be contagious even when you don't have symptoms. This isn't the case all the time, but usually a small percentage of the time (usually around 5% but it varies from person to person). The trick is that without visible or obvious symptoms, there's no way to tell when you're "shedding" the virus (contagious).

Do you ever notice itching, tingling or burning around your genital area (including vulva, anal, buttocks, tailbone or thighs)? Do you ever get tiny little cut-like abrasions that might only last a few days but don't seem to be caused by anything in particular? These could be signs of an outbreak that you just didn't realise were symptoms of herpes.

You need to learn more about it. A good place to start are the Resource Links on this board (see the front discussions list page). I especially like herpes.org because it has a wide range of topics and is run by a doctor who has extensive experience in the field. A great book to read is "The Truth About Herpes" by Dr. Stephen Sacks. Read back through the archives of this board too, for some good info. You'll see many posts from people who are in a similar situation as yourself and your bf.

Your bf should definitely get tested to see if he has it too. It will make life easier for both of you if he does (unfortunately) but if he doesn't there are ways to reduce his chances of getting it. Condoms typically help cut the risk but don't offer 100% protection, since herpes is passed by skin-to-skin contact with an area of the skin that is shedding the virus. But they are still probably a good precaution as a starter until you find out what his status is. Once you find out what his status is, it will be easier to talk about what your options are for safer sex.

In the meantime, do be gentle with yourself and with each other. Be a support to each other. I'm sure you're both a bit overwhelmed by the news so take it one step at a time. This may not be curable but it is managable and treatable with some caution and common sense.

Good luck and please keep us posted how you're doing. There are some great people here on this board who can offer lots of good support. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

TheOneInFour

Thanks so much for your reply. Since my last posting a few days ago, my bf has been told by a physician that the *rash* he has/had is not *jock itch*, but herpes. The blood tests are not back yet, but we have been told by a qualified doctor to expect HSV-2 to be positive. During the interview with the doctor, we were able to identify my bf's symptoms of *itching* as a probable sign that he has had herpes for some time now and just not had an OB. This seems to be the first time he has had an OB (to his knowledge). Although we are both still trying to sort all this out, neither of us are, nor do I see it happening, blaming each other. Now the big questions… if I have not had any *known* symptoms and he has, Can he still cause me to have an OB if he is in the *shedding* stage? Are condoms always a must or are there *safe times*? We are still trying to figure all this out with each others best interest in the forefront.

~JFO~


[This message has been edited by JustFoundOut (edited 04-10-2003).]

and almost forgot... to answer your question to:

*Do you ever notice itching, tingling or burning around your genital area (including vulva, anal, buttocks, tailbone or thighs)? Do you ever get tiny little cut-like abrasions that might only last a few days but don't seem to be caused by anything in particular?*

I have never had or noticed any of these symptoms. I don't even get yeast infections...

Hi JFO,

Sorry to hear your bf has this too. Unfortunately I think many (maybe most) doctors seem to go by the "classic" symptoms and if people don't fit that description then don't even consider herpes. And then the person doesn't realise they can pass it on; indeed, doesn't realise there is anything TO pass on. If he gets OBs frequently or if they seem to take forever to clear up, he could try one of the antiviral drugs on a daily, preventive basis which should reduce or eliminate OBs while he's taking it.

Can further exposure make you more susceptible to OB symptoms? The short answer, as I understand it, is No, probably not. You either have herpes or you don't, and when you have it your body will either manifest symptoms or it won't. That can change, though, and it sometimes happens that years later the person suddenly starts getting OBs when they used to have none. Often it's stress that brings it on, as well as a weakened immune system, excessive exposure to sunlight and other stresses to the body. But determining whether someone will get an OB is not an exact science at all, and it's not always possible to prevent OBs no matter what you do. I varies considerably with the individual.

However, herpes is location specific. In other words, herpes stays within the same general area unless it's contracted separately in a different area. So it's probably best to avoid contact with your bf's genital area while he's having an OB (+/- 2-3 days). In a sense it's a moot point, since you already have it, but you might catch it in a different location. (I'm assuming your current location is probably the genital area.)

Whether you'd be more prone to getting symptoms if it was in a different location, I'm not sure. I don't think it's really known why some people don't get symptoms (e.g., whether it's something about the location itself or the person's metabolism or immune system or whatever).

Hope that helps!

TheOneInFour