[Question #5805] HSV-1 Genital Herpes
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72 months ago
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I acquired HSV-1 genital herpes back in late May / early June. It has been 2 months since I was infected, how long does it take for your body to build up antibodies? I assume you are more at risk to transmit the virus to someone else after initial infection and I want to know how long I should abstain from sex along with using Valtrex/condoms. I am trying to mentally move on with my life but would like to speak to seek some professional help. Do you have any list of providers that specialize in sexual health or other entities that offer these services?
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72 months ago
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From your experience with patients over the years, do most keep their diagnosis to themselves for the most part or does it help the stigma to be completely open with all friends and family about the situation? I know you have had 35 years of experience with this so was just curious as to how most people approach this with their friends & family. I don't like bottling things up and usually open about things, but at the same time I don't know how much talking freely about a STD will help either.
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72 months ago
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I have also been contemplating the best way to tell any future partner of what I have been diagnosed with in fear that they won't understand and will be scared by the virus. Is there any suggestions from your experience with HSV-1 genital positive patients as to what an effective way to break the news to their partners?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
72 months ago
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So we know now that the shedding rates of HSV 1 are very low indeed - around 2% or less. That means out of a year, you are probably shedding on about 9 days out of the year. Those statistics can help shape your thoughts about this. some people disclose to friends and family and some keep it a total secret. I think it will help you to tell some people - it's a big secret to keep to yourself and I think it increases the stigma if you think it should be a secret. Your body will take anywhere from a few weeks to three months to make antibody. If you use condoms and daily antiviral medicine, your transmission risk will be very very close to zero. If you are having sex with someone who already has HSV 1 anywhere on their body, the risk of them getting it in a new place is EXTREMELY small. I would suggest that you read my section on telling partners at westoveheights.com, the Herpes Handbook - it's free.
Terri
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72 months ago
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Okay I will definitely do that Terri. Is there a website with a list of providers/therapists/support groups I can talk to regarding this matter?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
72 months ago
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I would say you should look for a cognitive behavior therapist in your area. Herpes support groups are rare now but that kind of therapist would be the most useful, I think, for you.
Terri
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72 months ago
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Okay, thank you Terri. Regarding HSV-1 genital shedding - is there any data showing when on the ~9 days of shedding occur? Is it usually in one time frame when or sporadically throughout the year? Lastly, if I were with a future serious partner who is not HSV1 positive and having regular unprotected sex, it sounds like at some point, more than likely they would be infected with the virus, is that correct?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
72 months ago
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No, there is no data on that. My guess is that the shedding is grouped as most shedding is but I don't know for sure.
Slightly half of the population between 14 and 49 have HSV 1, the older, the more likely to be infected - life happens.
Terri
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