[Question #12882] hsv 1 disclosure and daily life
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4 months ago
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I found out I had HSV-1 from a blood test in 2009. The doctors said I probably got it as a kid, and since then, I haven’t really thought about it much because I’ve never had a cold sore or any symptoms.
But the COVID-19 pandemic really shifted my perspective on consent, disclosure, and my responsibility to protect others, especially immunocompromised people. For example, with my last two sexual partners, I have disclosed my past HPV infections even though I've tested negative for the last eight years and I also mentioned I have tested positive for HSV-1, though disclosure didn't stop us from engaging in oral sex without barriers. At the time I didn't give the likelihood of me passing anything on too much thought. But now I'm not so sure.
But lately, I've been learning more, and I'm wondering if I should be doing more. Not just with potential sex partners but with others? For example, a couple of days ago, I shared a plate of food with a new friend, and I noticed she was double dipping. It made me wonder if I could pass HSV-1 to her that way. Then I started spiraling thinking about all the people I've shared meals with and kissed that I didn't disclose my information to. There's a lot of conflicting information on the internet, so any guidance you can provide would be great. I'd eventually like to find a local doctor I can trust so thank you in advance for your service.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
4 months ago
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There is no need to disclose your HSV 1 status to people other than sex partners, no. In terms of partners, advice, as you know, varies about when to disclose your HSV 1 status. I would say you should disclose prior to giving oral sex to someone else. Even though you don't know for sure where your infection is, it is more likely to be oral and oral HSV one is given off from the body more often than genital HSV one by quite a bit. Remember that about half the adult population in the United States is infected with HSV one so very common ind not all clinicians agreed that one needs to be disclosed at all, but in my opinion, having seen enough lawsuits and upset people, I think it is best to disclose this before giving oral sex because it can then turn into a sexually transmitted infection. I think you would agree with that.
Terri
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4 months ago
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Do we know what the risk is of passing the virus in unprotected oral sex if there are no symptoms? Also, is the risk less with kissing?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
4 months ago
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I'm so sorry, we have no data on transmission of HSV 1
Terri
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4 months ago
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thank you! no further questions
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
4 months ago
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You are most welcome
Terri
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