[Question #9184] HHV8 and Heterosexuals
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35 months ago
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Hey guys,
Dr HHH, if you read this, i promise this is my final question!
Recently I learned about HHV8 and was very sure theres no way in hell Id have it. As I was sure its very much a homosexual disease with heterosexual transmission being ultra rare.
However I did find it is very common in Africa. Years ago I hooked up with a young Kenyan migrant from Nairobi in Australia a few times and i know HHV8 is common in Africa.
Before i go on an anxiety google rampage, i would rather ask the experts first.
Obviously in Aus since this is a super low risk country for HHV8, we are not commonly tested unless you have a KS, i have never been tested.
However i WAS a regular blood donor when i was sleeping with this girl.
Im assuming my chances of having HHV8 is extremely low. But id rather hear recommendations from the experts, rather than have a health anxiety repeat
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
35 months ago
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Welcome back to the Forum although I am sorry you felt the need. As you know, Dr. Handsfield and I share the forum and on this occasion by chance alone I happen to pick up your new question. FYI, I have reviewed your three recent earlier interactions with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said. You and Dr. Handsfield seem to agree that you are suffering from a high degree of unwarranted STI anxiety and, as you have pointed out, searching the Internet on STI related topics is only likely to feed with your anxiety with misinformation and incorrect or out of date statements. Once again, as you have already heard, I urge you to stay off the Internet.
Your concerns about HHV8 or miss placed. Although this virus is somewhat more common in Africa, there is a little evidence of heterosexual transmission and the disease is limited almost entirely to men have sex with me. You have no need for testing or concerns.
Please don’t worry. EWH
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35 months ago
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Thank you for your response Dr Hook!
I did actually stop researching STDs. after my partner made a joke about a pimple i popped on my lip, i decided to read Terri Warrens book on herpes and for some reason HHV8/KS got stuck in my head.
As long as you're confident that heterosexual transmission is rare, and that the chances of this lady giving me HHV8 through kissing and unprotected sex is extremely unlikely, ill be able to sleep calmly.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
35 months ago
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Wonderful! I’m glad you found my response reassuring. You certainly have no reason to worry. Take care. EWH---
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35 months ago
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Just replying so you can close this thread (I dont like leaving things unfinished)
However if you have any info on what the most common avenue of infection is for HHV8. It would be appreciated.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
35 months ago
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Final response. There is little information on transmission of HHV8. As I said, it seems to be largely transmitted among MSM so receptive rectal intercourse may be part of this issue.
Closing the thread now. EWH
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