GHSV 1 transmission and disclosure

[Rc123]

Hi Terri, 5 years ago I was diagnosed with GHSV 1 via swab, with my first and only outbreak (not by my primary Doc) since then all blood test have been in the low positive range never above 3.5, and my pcp told me that with consistent low positives after years means the virus is very inactive, is that true? (She questions if i even have it since she was not the one who did not swab and ive never had another to swab, but i will never forget that one primary, so i know i do have it) Ive taken anti virals off and on for the last 5 years, on if im sexually active, and still very often use condoms. My DR said with ghsv1 disclosure is not always necessary for many reasons, its like a catch 22 from my understanding, so i rarely have disclosed these last 5 years. To my knowledge I have never passed it, even to my ex bf of two years ( we never used condoms, i was just on anti virals) but now that im getting older and more mature I feel more responsibility to disclose but not sure how. So for future disclosing, what can i say are the transmission rates if my infection is so quiet, just the one outbreak and nothing, if i take anti-virals, and use condoms?

[Terri Warren]

The index value has absolutely no correlation to shedding or viral activity at all.
The transmission of genital HSV 1 through intercourse is incredibly rare. Once a person has been infected for two years, they shed virus on about 4 days out of an entire year, genitally, and when infected longer that number may well be even lower. You could take antivirals, but the genital shedding rate is already so low, it is unknown if the meds will have much impact. Same is true for condoms.
However, I still think disclosure in a relationship is probably a good idea. I am aware that others disagree.

Terri

[Rc123]

Okay so index value being a low positive doesn’t really have a correlation to anything?

I read somewhere in a study that after 4 years of GHSV1 is possible not to shed at all? Is that true? Also even if i am shedding 4 days out the year- that does not mean all those shedding days would equal transmission?

I only take anti virals as a safety net as my long tern partner was HSV 1 negative, but you’re saying the impact may be negligible anyway?
I do agree in a relationship disclosure is important, i listened to one of your interview from a few years ago, and you said disclosing gsv1 is about honesty and trust nor transmission, do you really feel like transmission is so unlikely (especially after years with it) ? thank you so much, for explaining, i am planning to pass this information on in my next relationship.

[Terri Warren]

After four years, shedding is likely to be incredibly low, if at all.
Because the shedding rate is so low after all this time, correct, we don’t know how much help antivirals are really giving you.
I applaud you for disclosing – it’s tough, when the word “herpes ” carries such stigma

Terri

[Rc123]

Im at year 5, so there is a possibility im not shedding at all?

When you say GSV1 is benign you are not kidding. i have had zero problems since my primary, even off antivirals. I have terrible allergies, asthma and eczema, all are way more severe and cause me actually physical pain but for me the only pain herpes has is the stigma. Even though the same ppl who reinforce the stigma have never been tested for either type, or don’t know their cold sores ARE herpes, i.e how i ended up hsv 1. (sorry for my rant, i been observant these last 5 years) this does tie into my last question lol.

How do you feel about disclosing gsv1 as “cold sores” ? it carries way less stigma, coupled with the fact that i know my GHSV1 is way less transmittable than OHSV1 is, i feel like its a happy medium of disclosure, my partner gets to know the virus is there, and im actually keeping them safer from contracting it then they think or do you suggest FULL disclosure here?

[Terri Warren]

Is it possible that you aren’t shedding at all? Yes, it is possible
I feel fine about disclosing HSV 1 as the cold sore virus. I don’t feel comfortable with saying you have cold sores as that isn’t actually the case. Fine distinction, I know but perhaps a more honest one.

Terri

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