how long can the virus be dormaint - Herpes Message Board

flower54 · 06-01-2008, 12:12 AM

My husband has just been diagnosed with genital herbes.. we have been married 20 years. He swears that he has been faithful and I have read that you can be infected with the virus for years before an out break.. but 20? He is not the type of man to lie but I just feel sick with doubt now.

matter of time · 06-01-2008, 05:08 AM

Does he have type 1 or 2 on his genitals?

Do you get cold sores? If you do, you could have given it to him through oral sex. Cold sores are herpes. It is possible you have type 1 oral herpes and don't know it and gave it to him whether you have outbreaks or not.

Does he have a new health issue, including stress, which would lower his resistance to activate a 20 year dormant virus?

I'd say yes it can be dormant for 20 years. But if he had outbreak for no apparent reason (such as lowered resistance due to allergy, stress, health problem) then I wouldn't blame you for doubting him.

Meanwhile have yourself checked too. It takes 3 - 6 months to show up on blood test.

I always say get the facts before you worry.

flintrock · 06-03-2008, 05:48 PM

He could have contracted herpes when he was 18-20 yrs old........and never had a breakout. Happened to my husband and we were married for 5 yrs and dated for 4 before that.............married 25 now........yes it can lay dormant that long. No need to worry..........we're still a hppy couple and we just deal with it. I have more breakouts that he does and they are so much worse!!! but we just live with it