[Question #7073] Herpes Simplex 1 and 2

61 months ago

I have Herpes Simplex 1 per blood test with rare outbreaks(every 2-3 years)on the lips. My girl friend for 5 years has been diagnosed per blood test with HSV 2. She's negative on HSV 1She has outbreaks on her left upper arm, on the back at waist line and just now, in a new place on the buttocks. So it appears to have moved. Never had an outbreak on genitals. I have been tested for HSV 2 and test negative. Are the probabilities for getting HSV 2 significantly reduced when one already has HSV1? Is there any info about probability of getting HSV 2 when one already has HSV 1 and vice versa?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

61 months ago

There is no reduction in the risk of getting HSV 2 if you have HSV 1 but if you acquire type 2, you are likely to have a mild outbreak or no symptoms at all. This isn't always true, but mostly. A person who has HSV 2 will likely never get HSV 1 subsequently. Has she had the outbreak on her arm swab tested to determine that this was for sure HSV 2? I have seen people who outbreaks on the arm and it's always interesting to think about how this happened. An outbreak on the buttocks IS genital herpes, and likely also, the one near her waist. Although she has not had outbreaks on the genitals, she will still shed virus from the genital tract. This whole area is innervated by the same set of nerves (belly, buttocks, genitals). That may not be news either of you wishes to hear, but it would be wise for her to take daily antiviral medicine and you should use condoms with every intercourse to reduce the risk of transmission.

Terri

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