Genital HSV1 and oral HSV2?

[Iwtwhtm10]

In 2008, I contracted HSV1 genitally(a swab was not performed at this time, but I had never had any other sexual partners at this time and my partners blood work showed only HSV1)from a partner who had a cold sore on his lip. We also kissed during that time, however, I never noticed an oral lesion during that time. I did not have another lesion (either genital or oral) until I started having intercourse and oral sex with a new parter in 2014. I also became pregnant at this time (about 3 months after beginning this relationship). I (and my doctor) attributed my increased genital outbreaks during the beginning of my pregnancy to changing hormones. However, in my 7th month of pregnancy, we found out my partner had HSV2. I had my first oral sore about 1 year after beginning my relationship with my partner who has HSV2. I had increased outbreaks both orally and genitally in the postpartum period and a blood test showed I had both HSV1 and 2 (>8.0-HSV1 and 3.7-HSV2). This test was done about 18 months after beginning my relationship with this partner. Here is my concern: is it most likely that my oral infection is caused by HSV2 since I was exposed to that after I had already contracted HSV1 genitally and never had signs of an oral infection at that time? Also: I am paralyzed by terror that if in fact I have HSV2 oral that I will pass it on to my child through kissing. I have kissed her on the lips before because at that time it didn’t occur to me that HSV2 could be the culprit of my oral infection. Any advice would be so appreciated.

[Terri Warren]

How often are you having cold sores? HSV 2 would normally recur infrequently. Have you had any of your cold sores swab tested? If not, you really should to ease or clarify this concern. I seriously doubt that you would pass on HSV 2 to your child if you did not kiss her when you had a cold sore. Even if you did kiss her with a cold sore, it is very unlikely that this would be transmitted to her. You need to have the lesions of both oral and genital infection swab tested and typed. And the best test would be PCR (polymerase chain reaction) as it is far more sensitive than culture.

Terri

[Iwtwhtm10]

I have had 2-3 cold sores in the past year. But I never had them before I became sexually active with this partner. I have asked and asked to get swabs done at my doctors office but I feel that no one takes me seriously and they definitely don’t seem to understand the first thing about my situation. I did manage to have one genital sore swabbed but it was too old and nothing showed up. I’d say in the 2 years since I’ve been with this partner I’ve had about 10-12 genital outbreaks and 2-3 cold sores. Before that, I had had one genital outbreak (when I was infected with HSV1) and no cold sores that I can remember, at least.

[Terri Warren]

It does sound like you got his HSV 2 but I’m thinking that’s a lot of cold sores for HSV 2 in a year. Are your cold sores right on the edge of your lip and face or in your mouth? If you went to, the clinic can send you a PCR swab so you can gather a swab at the start of your next cold sore and just send it to us and we can transport to the lab. I think you need to know what those are (HSV 1 or HSV 2).

Terri

[Iwtwhtm10]

I would really like to do that. At least then I would know. My cold sores have been pretty much in the center of my lower lip for the two big ones. Is it possible that somehow I could have gotten both HSV1 and HSV2 orally and genitally? In both cases I was exposed in both places at nearly the same time. I think the reason I’m really worried right at this moment in that my child had a zit (I think, it appeared to have a white head that had white pus inside when popped) on the corner of her mouth that was fairly large and sort of looked like a cold sore, but her doctors office flat out refused to test her. Said its ridiculous to test a 2 year old for that and and that it’s never been done. Anyhow, that’s probably too many questions for one post, but I really thank you for your help and any more info on how to go about getting the swabs done would be so helpful.

[Terri Warren]

If you want to set up swabbing, you need to call and set up a phone consultation with the clinic. We can talk then and arrange shipment of swabs.
In terms of your child: herpes lesions don’t have pus in them normally, so I think that’s not what is going on.

Terri

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