should i be worried? concerning herpes??? - Herpes Message Board

tangelawinnett · 01-21-2009, 11:39 AM

hi there, just wondering... my brother in law moved in with us back in oct. 2008... hes been living here since.. he recently got a call from a ex g/f that she just found out she has genital herpes.. she says she got it from him.. well, he is a compulsive liar so he would never tell anyone if he did have it... well, since he lives here we were worried that either me, my hubby or the kids could come in contact with something and get it... is this possible.. my hubby made him go to the dr, but who knows what he told the dr.. so the dr said that there wasnt a need to do a bloodtest cause you cant find out that way... which i question whether the dr told him that or not, he had no documentation stating anything so we really dont know if he even went... so should we be worried? the thing i worry about the most is, i have to tell him to wash his hands and stuff before like making something to eat so i worry about him not being very sanitary and spreading it if he does have it... thanks in advance for any help.. take care

BABYGIRL51 · 01-21-2009, 12:10 PM

It is a skin to skin contact disease. He should wash his hands alot with antibacterial soap and he can take valtrex to stop virus from shedding and stop all outbreaks. But there is no cure. We who have this disease shed the virus without knowing. I am concerned you have to tell him to wash his hands cause he can spread it to others if he aint careful. Download the herpes handbook on the web for free it answers all questions. Good luck

mohelp · 01-21-2009, 11:25 PM

Regardless of whether he gave her herpes or she gave it to him . . . the point is that he should be concerned about whether or not he has it. If a person is having an outbreak, the leasion can be swabbed and tested for the virus. Otherwise, it is possible with newer test to determine if the HSV virus is presnt by looking for the antibodies the immune system produces to fight against the virus. These are newer tests and may cost some money to have completed - you might have to ask specifically for a serological test to help determine if the antibodies are present. You can find out about these types of tests online and then speak to a doctor. STD clinics may perform these tests, although they may chage some money (the clinic in my town charges $55 for a herpes test).

Although the chances are not great that your brother-in-law, if he does have herpes, will spread it to you or your family - you still have a right to be concerned - it is human instinct and morally right to want to protect yourself and your family. If he is unwilling to take the steps to confirm his status for you and your husband, then he should find a new place to live - that is the best way to solve the problem.

Good luck.

tangelawinnett · 01-22-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mohelp

Regardless of whether he gave her herpes or she gave it to him . . . the point is that he should be concerned about whether or not he has it. If a person is having an outbreak, the leasion can be swabbed and tested for the virus. Otherwise, it is possible with newer test to determine if the HSV virus is presnt by looking for the antibodies the immune system produces to fight against the virus. These are newer tests and may cost some money to have completed - you might have to ask specifically for a serological test to help determine if the antibodies are present. You can find out about these types of tests online and then speak to a doctor. STD clinics may perform these tests, although they may chage some money (the clinic in my town charges $55 for a herpes test).

Although the chances are not great that your brother-in-law, if he does have herpes, will spread it to you or your family - you still have a right to be concerned - it is human instinct and morally right to want to protect yourself and your family. If he is unwilling to take the steps to confirm his status for you and your husband, then he should find a new place to live - that is the best way to solve the problem.

Good luck.

thank you for your replies... we are about to tell him just that and luckily my hubby feels as strong as i do about it and your right, if hes not willing then he does indeed need to find somewhere else to stay.. so again, thank you so much and take care

matter of time · 01-22-2009, 02:33 PM

Daily living does not spread herpes. My husband had herpes all our married life (I got it latter) and neither of our kids have herpes (oldest is 21).

Genital Herpes is an STD so he would actually have to have sex with someone to spread it or at least have genital contact. Hopefully he washes his hands after touching the area and that is more than sufficient to keep your family safe. For added measure, let him have his own bath towels. No worried after that.