Oral Sex - Herpes Message Board

gigi416 · 10-15-2007, 05:06 PM

I had oral sex with a guy and two hours later he called me and said he felt something tingly. He went to the doctor and got a blood test and said he tested positive for 1 and 2 and that I exposed him. This was in a matter of just days. From what I am reading it takes 3-4 months for a positive reading. We did not have intercourse is this possible?

catharine101 · 10-15-2007, 05:22 PM

It takes 3 - 4 months to show up positive on a blood test. Therefore, the herpes infection that he had is at least that old. However, it's entirely possible that he didn't know he had it, as many people don't show symptoms. But the friction of oral sex may have initiated an outbreak for him, and this can happen right away. Do not let him blame you for a positive blood test.

Oral sex CAN transmit the virus tho', and in this case I think the reverse arguement is true. It would appear that YOU have been the one who has been exposed. You may now have oral herpes, transmitted via oral sex. Generally, a person who has been exposed to the virus will show symptoms within 3 - 10 days. Sometimes a bit longer. That's if they show symptoms at all - again, many people don't. Symptoms for oral herpes would include cold sores, and symptoms of first exposure include flu-like signs (fever, aches, pains etc.)

My suggestion to you would be this. Wait a week or two and see if you have any reaction. It would appear that, if he felt tingly, he may have been on the verge of an outbreak, which would increase the risk of transmission. But please don't panic, it's by no means guaranteed that you've acquired the virus. If you react - meaning develop cold sores or get sick, go to your doctor immediatly and have them cultured. Ask them to do a type specific test, ask for HerpesSelect. I would also have them do a blood test. If your culture comes back positive, and the blood comes back negative, you know that you've only acquired the virus recently.

If the bloodwork comes back positive, then you've had herpes for awhile. If the culture on the cold sores comes back positive for a different strain than a positive blood test, then you know that he's given you a new strain.

If you show no symptoms, get a bloodtest done now anyway. If it's negative, that means you have no prior infection. Then go back in 3 months and get tested again. If it's positive, then you'll know that you got the virus within that time period, probably from this guy.

I realize all this is confusing - read it a couple times and it will start to make sense!!

It's important to followup and find out for sure. But at the same time, try not to panic too much - the chances of actually getting the virus are only about 9% if he's not having an outbreak. So there's a good chance you will be fine.

Good luck, and keep us "posted"

gigi416 · 10-15-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catharine101

It takes 3 - 4 months to show up positive on a blood test. Therefore, the herpes infection that he had is at least that old. However, it's entirely possible that he didn't know he had it, as many people don't show symptoms. But the friction of oral sex may have initiated an outbreak for him, and this can happen right away. Do not let him blame you for a positive blood test.

Oral sex CAN transmit the virus tho', and in this case I think the reverse arguement is true. It would appear that YOU have been the one who has been exposed. You may now have oral herpes, transmitted via oral sex. Generally, a person who has been exposed to the virus will show symptoms within 3 - 10 days. Sometimes a bit longer. That's if they show symptoms at all - again, many people don't. Symptoms for oral herpes would include cold sores, and symptoms of first exposure include flu-like signs (fever, aches, pains etc.)

My suggestion to you would be this. Wait a week or two and see if you have any reaction. It would appear that, if he felt tingly, he may have been on the verge of an outbreak, which would increase the risk of transmission. But please don't panic, it's by no means guaranteed that you've acquired the virus. If you react - meaning develop cold sores or get sick, go to your doctor immediatly and have them cultured. Ask them to do a type specific test, ask for HerpesSelect. I would also have them do a blood test. If your culture comes back positive, and the blood comes back negative, you know that you've only acquired the virus recently.

If the bloodwork comes back positive, then you've had herpes for awhile. If the culture on the cold sores comes back positive for a different strain than a positive blood test, then you know that he's given you a new strain.

If you show no symptoms, get a bloodtest done now anyway. If it's negative, that means you have no prior infection. Then go back in 3 months and get tested again. If it's positive, then you'll know that you got the virus within that time period, probably from this guy.

I realize all this is confusing - read it a couple times and it will start to make sense!!

It's important to followup and find out for sure. But at the same time, try not to panic too much - the chances of actually getting the virus are only about 9% if he's not having an outbreak. So there's a good chance you will be fine.

Good luck, and keep us "posted"

Thanks for the response. It has actually been 11 days and so far I am ok no sores but you bet I am going to the Dr. in the AM I was just informed today by this person who has been a friend for more than 20 years and it just goes to say You never know a person really!! I feel a little better. Thanks and I am so greatful for this site and your advise. Thanks Again

catharine101 · 10-15-2007, 05:59 PM

It sucks the way this gets transmitted. Please keep in mind though, that this guy very well may not have known he had herpes. In fact, from the sound of your original post, it seems he wasn't aware. If you have such a long standing friendship, it would really suck if this had to destroy it. Instead of the "he said, she said" scenario, just get yourself tested and educated, and then educate him as well - hopefully your friendship will survive intact. That's really the most important thing!!

gigi416 · 10-15-2007, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catharine101

It sucks the way this gets transmitted. Please keep in mind though, that this guy very well may not have known he had herpes. In fact, from the sound of your original post, it seems he wasn't aware. If you have such a long standing friendship, it would really suck if this had to destroy it. Instead of the "he said, she said" scenario, just get yourself tested and educated, and then educate him as well - hopefully your friendship will survive intact. That's really the most important thing!!

Since there has been no sores or symtoms do I just request a blood test now and again in three months? I don't think it will destroy our friendship.