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Suggest Treatment For Herpes Infection
Posted on
Sat, 9 Jan 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 9 Jan 2016
Answered on
Tue, 16 Feb 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi, I recently had protected sex with someone without symptoms who told me they had HSV 1 & 2. I suppose the next day I was like what was I thinking. I am wondering what my risk is? How likely it is that I could have gotten either one. And is it spread by just skin to skin or does it need a portal of entry such as broken skin in order to be transmitted?
Brief Answer:
Your HSV risk is overall very low
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I can understand your concerns.
HSV can be transmitted predominantly via a sexual route like vaginal intercourse where there is an exchange of sexual fluids.
But such risk of acquiring HSVis pretty minimal in presence of protected intercourse.
There is little risk of HSV transmission through saliva and mouth to mouth kissing. This can cause predominantly HSV 1 infection with oral ulcers.
Intact skin does not transmit the disease.
Of course broken skin can transfer the virus.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you
Your HSV risk is overall very low
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I can understand your concerns.
HSV can be transmitted predominantly via a sexual route like vaginal intercourse where there is an exchange of sexual fluids.
But such risk of acquiring HSVis pretty minimal in presence of protected intercourse.
There is little risk of HSV transmission through saliva and mouth to mouth kissing. This can cause predominantly HSV 1 infection with oral ulcers.
Intact skin does not transmit the disease.
Of course broken skin can transfer the virus.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Oh my goodness you are amazing and definitely answered all my questions. I still don't think this is a good partner for me because I have CMT, Lyme disease and a list of medical problems... I just don't feel I need the risk of adding another potential problem.
Would you recommend getting tested for HSV 2 at 4 weeks out just to be safe?
Would you recommend getting tested for HSV 2 at 4 weeks out just to be safe?
Brief Answer:
I recommend HSV screening
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam,
I can certainly understand your concerns.
I apologize for the delayed response owing to my work schedule.
Yes, certainly I recommend both HSV 1 and 2 testing at the earliest.
He is certainly not the right partner for sexual activity considering his positive HSV status.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you
I recommend HSV screening
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam,
I can certainly understand your concerns.
I apologize for the delayed response owing to my work schedule.
Yes, certainly I recommend both HSV 1 and 2 testing at the earliest.
He is certainly not the right partner for sexual activity considering his positive HSV status.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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