What Is The Risk Of Herpes Transmission?

Posted on Mon, 11 Sep 2023

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

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 Answered on

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
What is the risk of Herpes 1 or 2 transmission with the below scenarios:

1. Full body deep tissue massage (including massaging penis and anus by the masseuse) - I am not sure of any open sores on her hands or elbows she used for massaging
2. Hand job by the masseuse (she did not touch her genitals as she was clothed bottom half)
3. Kissed her breast and nipples briefly - Did not take it in my mouth.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details below

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
Herpes spreads through active lesions, when they come in contact with another person.
The risk increases if the person coming in contact has abraded skin or there is contact of mucosal surface.
In the scenarios given by you there was no mucosal contact so risk is less.
If the person giving massage was not having any active lesions then there is no risk at all.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (6 hours later)

Thanks Doctor,

I got the test HSV-1 and HSV-2 test done (blood drawn). I have attached the report and details below. Can you please let me know:

1. What does the report say (Positive or Negative for HSV-1 and HSV-2)
2. Are these results conclusive and accurate considering the test window and risk event date? Below are the details

- Date of risk event: 8th May 2023
- Date of Testing - 8th September 2023
- Duration - 4 months (17.5 Weeks)

3. Based on the above information, is there any further testing required for HSV-1 and HSV-2?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details below

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up and report.
Your report is negative that means you have no infection.
You have got tested for IgG antibodies however it would be better to get HSV 1 &2 IgM antibody testing done.
This will help in being doubly sure.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (24 hours later)

Thanks Doctor for the response. IgG antibody test was preferred over the the IgM keeing the duration from the risk event in mind (4 months) which I read is sufficient time for IgM test as compared to IgM which is can detect the antibodies earlier but also given the 4 months time from the risk event the IgM antibodies might not be present. I have read that with lack of symptoms (like in my case with no blisters, sores) and the time form the risk events IgG will be conclusive and IgM is generally not recommended in general. Do you think that IgM will look for something that IgG has not detected?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better to get both tests done

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
You mentioned it correctly that in 4 months usually IgG should be present and not IgM.
However in some cases antibody formation is delayed hence it is always best to get both IgG and IgM tests done.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

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