[Question #6324] HIV - what to do? Higher risk?

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67 months ago
Hi Dr.,
I have rectal hsv-1 (in the anal area) outbreaks regularly.  I do not take valtrex or any herpes medication.  I read an article on NAM/Aids Map saying that with or without outbreaks people who have anal herpes have a multiple times risk to getting HIV.  It seems as though if you have rectal/anal hsv-1, that it will be inevitable to get HIV.  As a result I do not sit down in any public places, wash my couch with disinfectant wipes, flush before using the  toilet, all to no avail due to my underwear and pants being washed in an apartment building washer dryers.  I do not want to get HIV, and do not want my wife or son (2 year old) son to get HIV.  Will my rectal/anal hsv-1, with regular outbreaks with no medication lead to an inevitability of HIV as the article suggests?  Am I taken proper precautions?  Can I live a normal life with rectal/anal hsv-1 without getting HIV?  I just want to love my wife and take my son to the park....do I need to wear multiple pairs of underwear, pants all the time, never sit down, never use public toilets in order to not get infected with HIV due to the greater susceptibility from the rectal hsv-1 as the article suggests?  Thank you Dr.  
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
67 months ago

A week ago I replied to you "This is your 5th post in 3 months regarding no risk events.  As has been explained to you before only unprotected sexual activity or injection of infected material deep into tissue will put you or others at risk for HIV.  The answer has not change.  This was a no risk event.  Forget about this event, forget about the possibility of PEP and move forward.  As recommended before, please get your OCD treated."  This advice has not changed. 

Your concerns about environmental exposure and dangers to your wife and child are irrational and implausible and, I suspect represent your OCD which needs to be addressed.  No risk from the circumstances you describe.

End of thread.  EWH 

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