[Question #6996] Herpes concern
8 months ago
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I’ve been diagnosed with genital herpes in February 2019, and it has caused me a great deal of stress and worry.
After having a few frequent outbreaks, in July 2019 doctor prescribed Valacyclovir 500mg once a day for a year. Since then I have occasional symptoms, such as itching and redness from time to time, which never became lesions, and have had two actual outbreaks, in April and May this year, and I believe those were due to extreme stress.
Also, my doctor advised to get tested for HIV which I have done in April 2019, November 2019 and February 2020, all negative. I still obsess about.
I have a partner for a year now and I am always concerned of him getting herpes from me. I told him about it before we started dating and he said he doesn’t care about it, in the best possible way. But every time we have vaginal or oral sex I worry and cannot relax.
Also, now I constantly get worried about getting cold sores too, although I’ve never had one in my life. I’ve had a friend over a few days ago, and she was having her first outbreak (almost healed), but I was stressing out so much while she was here and after she left. We haven’t shared food or drinks, but I guess all the stress since I was diagnosed make me very paranoid.
Can you give me some information that would calm down my worries and help me have a normal life without constantly having concerns?
Thank you!
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
8 months ago
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8 months ago
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
8 months ago
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8 months ago
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Regarding the HIV tests; I’ve done one in April 2019, three months after getting herpes (but don’t know which kind of a test), and HIV 1/2 combo in November 2019 and February 2020.
Is this enough or should I test again?
In the laboratory they told me I should do PCR test, but I’m not sure what that is and if it is really necessary (especially not even knowing if I was at actual risk, and since March 2019 I had the same partner).
Also, another question regarding herpes, what happens if I decide to stop taking medication on daily basis?
Thank you very much for your time!
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
8 months ago
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8 months ago
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Unfortunately, my doctor never sent the sample for testing, so I’m not really sure.
When it comes to HIV testing, I have done it because my doctor suggested, although my previous partner says he doesn’t have it. But after I was diagnosed with herpes I’m not sure what I can believe in.
Since then I have had one partner and no risks that I know of. I understand that for fourth generation tests would show after three months, and I have done 3 tests over the past year.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
8 months ago
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8 months ago
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
8 months ago
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