Herpes - Herpes Message Board

mike808 · 04-19-2009, 06:38 PM

I have had cold sores all my life. When I was 5 I remember getting cold sores. When I became sexually active, I started noticing them around my genitals. Is is possible to be born with both types of herpes viruses?

Truthseek · 04-19-2009, 06:49 PM

No, you are not born with the virus. It is spread through kissing and sexual activity via skin to skin contact. You probably got HSV1 (oral cold sores) as a kid from a relative kissing you when they had a cold sore.
If you have had any sexual activity you could have gotten HSV2 or HSV1 on your genitals. Best thing to do is get tested with an IgG type specific blood test for both HSV1 and HSV2.

mike808 · 04-19-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeekingTruth4Al

No, you are not born with the virus. It is spread through kissing and sexual activity via skin to skin contact. You probably got HSV1 (oral cold sores) as a kid from a relative kissing you when they had a cold sore.
If you have had any sexual activity you could have gotten HSV2 or HSV1 on your genitals. Best thing to do is get tested with an IgG type specific blood test for both HSV1 and HSV2.

I'm still skeptical. I understand the whole idea of getting the virus through kissing etc as a child. How on Earth could I get the virus NOW? I haven't had sex with anyone infected. They have both tested negative.

angeleyz81 · 04-19-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike808

I'm still skeptical. I understand the whole idea of getting the virus through kissing etc as a child. How on Earth could I get the virus NOW? I haven't had sex with anyone infected. They have both tested negative.

Have they been tested specifically for herpes? It is not part of the routine STD panel. Also, the virus could lie dormant in the body for a long time without any signs or symptoms.