Hi, I have HSV1 on my lips. I know it's HSV1 bec. I had it since I was a kid and I tested negative on HSV2. But after my recent exposure I am worried about having contracted HSV2 on my genitals. I am concerned and have several questions.

1) I've read that the first outbreak is generally the most severe. Would that hold true if I contracted HSV2 even though I already have HSV1? Or would my first HSV2 outbreak still be the most severe?

2) How long after infection do genital HSV2 herpes outbreaks occur?

3) Is a sore throat and a cough associated with the flu-like illness that comes with infection?

3) I know transmission occurs from skin to skin contact. But does the recipient have to have broken skin or can the virus get into intact skin like in the pubic hair area?

4) Is it possible to transmit the virus to other parts of my body while washing my face or lathering my body in the shower? Like from my genital area to my anus or my lips to my eyes?

Thank you very much for your time.

Hi SmoothHorizon,

I have a few questions for you: How and when did you test negative for HSV-2? What makes you think you were recently exposed to HSV-2?

(1) The primary outbreak (very first OB) can often be the most severe, regardless of which type it is, although it's a little different for everyone. I believe this would be just as likely regardless of whether or not you already had the other type, but you might be somewhat more protected, but I'm really not completely sure on that.

(2) The primary OB can appear as early as 2 days after initial infection or it can take years to appear. It's a little different for everyone. Most people seem to get the OB within a few weeks, if it produces symptoms right away, but some never get symptoms and only find out after their partner suddenly gets it.

(3) Many people do get flu-like symptoms with an OB, including swollen lymph glands and a fever. But not everyone gets this. I imagine the cough *might* appear if your lungs or bronchia are susceptible to a dip in your immune system. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate herpes, by themselves.

(4) It is possible to transfer the virus to other parts of your body but it doesn't happen all the time. The virus dies very quickly once it is exposed to the air, and since the virus must be transmitted to a new location via the skin surface, it's very likely that the virus will die before it has a chance to even land on the skin surface of a new location. However it does sometimes happen, so it's important to wash your hands after touching an OB area, especially if you're getting symptoms there, before touching anywhere else.

The only exception to that is that OBs can appear in new locations within the same general area (mouth and face for oral herpes, and the "boxer shorts" area for genital herpes. That means if you get OBs on your vulva, for instance, you might spontaneously get them also in the anal area, the buttocks or thighs.

But the virus won't spontaneously change to a distant location. You won't suddenly get oral OBs from having genital herpes, and you won't suddenly get genital OBs from your oral herpes.

I hope that helps!

TheOneInFour