About Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, and what I should do if I have it?
Posted by admin - Feb 24, 2011 Zoster (Herpes) Virus 2 0 Views : 26 Receive Updates For This Category
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Feb 24, 2011
I did a lot of research on it already, but as you can imagine, I’m not satisfied with what I’ve read. I wish I could find a conclusive answer to my questions, but alas, I have not been able to. On to my real questions:
A few months ago, I went in to see the doctor about what I though was a rash on one of my butt cheeks. The doctor told me it could be two things: Herpes Zoster or HSV. He suggested that I take the HSV test just in case, but that more than likely it was HZ, so he was somewhat reluctant to test for HSV. I asked him to do anyways, you know, what the hell, why not? A week later I got my test results back, and as it turns out, I did in fact have HZ. Surprisingly enough I also tested POSITIVE for the HSV-2 antibodies. I have never had any outbreaks. I have never had sex, nor oral sex. I don’t believe the doctor believed me, nor did the other nurse I spoke to about it. Believe me, if I did, i think I would know! I know it’s possible to pass orally too, but that’s it’s not very likely. In any case, I’ve only kissed two girls, one of which has HSV-1 (did not have any outbreaks at the time, but as far as I know, HSV-1 does not give you HSV-2 and vice versa anyways). As far as I know, neither of my parents are HSV positive. You must understand how much this all confuses me. What I want to know is if it’s possible it was a false-positive. From what I can tell, it is difficult to detect HSV if you don’t have an outbreak, and none of the tests are 100% accurate, so even if I tested again and got back negative, the only thing it would prove is that the tests are inconclusive. My only guess is that I most likely contracted it orally, as rare as that apparently is (from what I’ve read). I have not ruled out any possibility, however unlikely.
Should I ask to have a different test taken? Is there any point in re-testing? Is there anything I can do?Is the best option to simply just assume I have it? Is there a way to pinpoint in which area I have it, if I do indeed have it?
By the way, I am a 21 year old male; not that really makes any difference (I think).
If you would like me to provide any additional details, please let me know.
Candice™
Feb 24, 2011
Transmission of Oral Herpes
Oral herpes (usually HSV-1) has been detected in both the saliva and blood of patients with active oral infections. It is the most prevalent form of HSV, and infection is most likely to occur during preschool years. BUT ,Oral herpes is easily spread by direct exposure to saliva or even from droplets in breath. Skin contact with infected areas is sufficient to spread it. Transmission most often occurs through close personal contact, such as kissing. In addition, because HSV-1 can be passed in saliva, people should also avoid sharing toothbrushes or eating utensils with an infected person.
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Transmission of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is most often transmitted through sexual activity, and people with multiple sexual partners are at high risk. HSV, however, can also enter through the anus, skin, and other areas.
People with active symptoms of genital herpes are at very high risk for transmitting the infection. Unfortunately, evidence suggests about one-third of all HSV-2 infections occur during times when the virus is shedding but producing no symptoms. In addition, only about 10 – 25% of people who carry HSV-2 actually know that they have the infection. In other words, most people either have no symptoms or don’t recognize them when they a appear
To infect people, the herpes simplex viruses (both HSV-1 and HSV-2) must access the body through broken skin or a mucous membrane such as inside the mouth or on the genital area. Each virus can be carried in bodily fluids (such saliva, semen, fluid in the female genital tract) or in fluid from herpes sores. The risk for infection is highest with direct contact of blisters or sores during an outbreak Clear to brown /yellow discharge with or no odour is sure sign
Treatment.: .Valtrex (valacyclovir) can keep outbreaks to a minimum, a good diet also plays part ,together will trying to keep stress down,& plenty of rest.
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Check out these links
http://www.thefacts.com.au
http://www.stdservices.on.net/std/
http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/default.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/default.htm
Hope this answered your question Cheers ♥
Cooker
Feb 24, 2011
Call the doctor and ask what test they gave you. I’m betting he gave you the IgM!
"Laboratory tests are available to diagnose herpes zoster. The most popular test detects VZV-specific IgM antibody in blood; this only appears during chickenpox or herpes zoster and not while the virus is dormant.[24] In larger laboratories, lymph collected from a blister is tested by the polymerase chain reaction for VZV DNA, or examined with an electron microscope for virus particles."
IF he gave you the IgM, it is NOTORIOUS, NOTORIOUS for wrongly diagnosing herpes-related viruses like HSV-1/HSV-2–often confuses them with chickenpox, Epstein-Barr, etc. Since you also tested positive for HZ, I’m betting you got the Igm!
If I were you, I would wait until symptoms of your current infection have passed, and then go get a test specifically for HSV-1/HSV-2….the IgG type-specific herpes blood test–which tests ONLY for the presence of HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes).
Bet you a nickel you do NOT have HSV-2 when the IgG test comes back!