How Long Can Genital Herpes Remain Dormant?

Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 Answered on

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently on a normal OB-Gyne exam asked my OB to run every possible antibody test. I my results came back normal except HSV1 antibody. Now I have all these questions. 1. I had my current boyfriend tested, he is HSV1 antibody positive too, does this mean we cannot infect each other on the genitals if we have it orally or vice versa and 2. should I tell past recent relationships that involved sexual contact or kissing? Now sure how I caught it in the past 2 years as I have not had an outbreak.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Herpes is a local infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). i have gone through your query and i have noted your concern.

Herpes is a local infection and presence of labial or genital herpes does not protect against new infection at either of these sites. However the new infection would be less severe or mild due to existance of circulating antibodies. Most people acquire herpes from sexual partners who are clinically silent i.e do not have active sores. Moreover herpes can remain silent or may go unnoticed and many people may not know whom they acquired it from if they have had multiple sexual contacts in the past.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar