[Question #8558] Viral Meningitis & STIs

42 months ago

I had an herpes scare recently but my fears have been cleared by Terri. I have been advised not to test since I don’t have any symptom.

Since then I’ve been reading more about herpes, meningitis and other STIs.

I have no particular health concern but I’m asking the following for knowledge sake and to improve on health and wellness of myself and family.

Herpes have been linked to cause viral meningitis. I have noticed experts don’t recommend herpes test for people without symptoms because it produces false positive / false negative. It’s quite tricky to understand. Would you recommend mass testing for herpes to reduce the occurrence of viral meningitis? I understand viral meningitis isn’t so serious and can be cured without treatment.

Is it possible for someone to have HSV1 and HSV2 in the same location? Is it also possible to have it in separate location?

My wife and I have never had a cold sore or genital lesion and we have been married for 6 years. We have never tested positive for any STI or STD and we test every year. Is that any indication we are safe from herpes? FYI, we live in Nigeria and there’s no facility for herpes testing locally.

For someone that tests positive for herpes and has no symptoms? Is medication recommended for such person? I understand medication is taken to reduce breakouts and viral shedding but since they don’t breakout. Will medication be of any help to such person?

In addition, will medication eliminate the possibilities of getting viral meningitis for asymptomatic person?

In absence of herpes or other viral STD, are there other ways to avoid viral meningitis? I intend to get vaccinated for bacterial meningitis to eliminate the possibility but I’m still worried about viral meningitis even though I’m free of all virus and very healthy. Will regular exercise help?

I also read that accurate herpes test is only available at U of Washington. Is this only available to US residents? Do they receive samples from several clinics all over the globe? That must be really overwhelming. Are there intentions to increase capacity of testing around the globe?

Finally, are there scientists working on permanent cure for herpes and possibly vaccines to prevent it?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

42 months ago

So you are back to me. I answer the herpes questions on this website.

Someone with a brand new herpes infection could experience a transient meningitis with headache and light sensitivity, but it is almost always self limiting. I'm wondering if you are confusing meningitis with encephalitis, a much more troublesome condition?

I don't actively discourage someone who wants to test from testing, as I know many times, it offers great peace of mind. There are some false positive results, true, but in the US we can sort those out with the western blot if someone decides they really want to test.

I don't recall what your experience was that triggered this worry, refresh my memory

If someone tests accurately positive for HSV 2, and they are having sex with someone is not infected, yes, suppressive daily medication can reduce the risk of transmission.

I'm not clear how you got worried about meningitis specifically but bacterial infections and viral ones are quite different.

The University of Washington can receive samples from anywhere.

Yes, there is much work in the herpes field right now.

Terri

---

42 months ago

Thanks.

Mr exposure was quite low.

The first was quick peck on the lip by a stripper, no saliva and no sores in her mouth.

The second touching the vagina skin area with my hand and then using the same hand to hold my pennis about 10min later to pee.

Its been almost 6 weeks and I have no symptoms. I have also never had a cold sore or lesion in my life.

It is understood most people have HSV1 without any symptoms. If they decide to test at random and test shows positive, would you recommend such person to be on medication even when they have never showed symptoms?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

42 months ago

That's what I recalled. These are no risk experiences and you should not worry about HSV 2 from this experience.

If you test positive for HSV 1 and your partner tests negative, you could consider taking daily antiviral medication to reduce the risk of transmitting this infection to a partner.

Terri

---

42 months ago

Thanks for quick response. Unfortunately, there's no facility to test for herpes in my country. too bad

Doctors only watch out for symptoms, sore & lesions to diagnose.

As regards encephalitis trigged by HSV. is it mostly caused by HSV1 or HSV2? or its both

For those with herpes. How do they avoid the risk of encephalitis? Though I have seen that its rare.

For those taking daily medication for HSV. are there any side effects to kidney or any other body organ?

Thanks and that will be all

42 months ago

In addition, Is it only those who have frequent breakout lession or cold sores that have complication from herpes?

Do unasymptomatic people also develop complication from herpes?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

42 months ago

Encephalitis can be caused by both but more commonly by HSV 1. About 1500 cases of this in the US per year, as an example.

There is not way to avoid encephalitis that I know of, it is so rare. There are no side effects of the herpes medication for the vast majority of people who take it.It is rare for anyone to have real complications from having herpes.

Terri

---