Suggest Treatment For Cold Sores And Burning Sensation During Urination

Posted on Sat, 14 Jan 2017

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

Sat, 14 Jan 2017 Answered on

Thu, 2 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Doctor. In response to your questions: I was exposed to HSV 2 the first week of October I am certain of that. The woman told me that she had HSV2 after we were intimate twice and she claimed she was not symptomatic at that time. She said she believed I was safe as a result. I knew then that I might have been exposed. I had bloodwork done and on Nov. 3 was told I had HSV1 (11.70 index) and HSV2 (4.93). I don't know if I had HSV1 before this. I've never had a cold sore that I can remember. Since the first week of October I have not had any symptoms of HSV2 (sores, rashes, flu like symptoms, burning during urination, etc). I recently told a woman about this that I was dating and she said she wouldn't see me anymore.

Another concern is I have a 7 year old grandson and we have a lot of contact with hugs, wrestling, kisses etc. Is he at risk from my 'shedding ' the virus? This has really complicated my life. Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your further reply. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Target: Medication, asymptomatic, negative results on tests

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

If the woman was confident then this could be due to 2 reasons:

1. She was asymptomatic

2. She would have been tested for the infection and returned a negative result

But I understand that you cannot take her word for it. The most important aspect of your case is that if you are treated for the infection, and if you return a negative result at least on 2-3 occassions then you cannot and will not transmit the infection to others.

So if you are asymptomatic and do not return a positive result on 2-3 occassions there should be nothing to worry about, and you can continue to have contact with your grand child, but until then avoid actions like kissing, etc.

I hope I have addressed the issues you were concerned about. Please write to me if I haven't or if you have any new ones, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Doctor Not to belabor the point but I have tested positive for HSV1 and 2. I do not understand why you mention being treated for HSV 1/2 and testing negative. I thought this was not possible. What is the treatment and is the HSV viral condition reversible? Everything I've read says HSV1/2 is not. Please elaborate. I would love nothing more than to be relieved of this burden. Thank you. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It was to describe a temp achievable state with the help of medications

Detailed Answer:
Hi sir.

I mentioned being treated for HSV-1 and HSV-2 as in you can be treated for the conditions when there is an outbreak which will improve healing and also prevent future outbreaks, and also result in a state wherein, if you test for the infections you will return a negative result. This state would be the safest, and in this state you can come in contact with your grand child without worrying about transmission.

Treatment of HSV-1 and HSV-2 includes the use of anti-viral drugs like:

+Acyclovir
+Famciclovir
+Ganciclovir
+Valacyclovir

Please speak to your prescribing doctor for a prescription, which can make your life much simpler, they should be used especially if you are symptomatic or are testing positive on the laboratory tests.

HSV-1 and HSV-2 remain in the body, but we can suppress them enough to live a better life and not worry about transmission with the help of these drugs.

I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you sir. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T