Ghsv1 positive; wondering about hsv2

[Gettingeducated2023]

I contracted GHSV1 in March of 2023, diagnosed via swab test. I have only ever had 1 outbreak and take 500mg valtrex daily due to having unprotected sex with a new partner who doesn’t know their herpes status. after being diagnosed, I have crazy anxiety about the possibility of also contracting HSV2. I have considered asking him to get a blood test, but with the high likelihood of inaccurate results I’m not sure if it’s worth it. the western blot is out of price range atm. That being said, I have the following questions:

If I have genital HSV1, can I also contract genital HSV2?

If yes, how would I be able to tell I was having an initial HSV2 outbreak versus a recurrent HSV1 outbreak?

I know HSV1 can provide partial protection against HSV2, or potentially keep HSV2 asymptomatic. Would there be more “protection” from genital HSV2 since I already have HSV1 genitally instead of orally?

I know taking valtrex daily can reduce transmission, but could taking valtrex also help me NOT get HSV2 if I came into contact with it?

Thank you for all you do!

[Terri Warren]

If I have genital HSV1, can I also contract genital HSV2?
Yes, but it would be an incredibly unlikely thing to get them both at the same time

If yes, how would I be able to tell I was having an initial HSV2 outbreak versus a recurrent HSV1 outbreak?
No, only through swab testing could you make the distinction.

I know HSV1 can provide partial protection against HSV2, or potentially keep HSV2 asymptomatic. Would there be more “protection” from genital HSV2 since I already have HSV1 genitally instead of orally?
We don’t know that with any certainty, but possibly

I know taking valtrex daily can reduce transmission, but could taking valtrex also help me NOT get HSV2 if I came into contact with it?
No.

Terri

[Gettingeducated2023]

Hi Terri

Thank you. I would like a little more clarification on my first question though. I am not worried about getting ghsv1 and hsv2 at the same time (as I’ve already had ghsv1 for 6+ months without hsv2 that I know of). I’m wondering how common it is to have both ghsv1 and hsv2 present in the same area (genitally).

Have you seen someone with both symptomatic ghsv1 and genital hsv2 in your practice?

Is it common to contract hsv1 genitally and then also contract hsv2 genitally later on?

[Terri Warren]

Thank you. I would like a little more clarification on my first question though. I am not worried about getting ghsv1 and hsv2 at the same time (as I’ve already had ghsv1 for 6+ months without hsv2 that I know of). I’m wondering how common it is to have both ghsv1 and hsv2 present in the same area (genitally).

OK, now I understand. I have seen this happen but rarely.

Have you seen someone with both symptomatic ghsv1 and genital hsv2 in your practice?
Yes, but very rarely indeed

Is it common to contract hsv1 genitally and then also contract hsv2 genitally later on?
I don’t think it is common but possible.
The thing is, people with HSV 1 often contract HSV 2 without big symptoms or any symptoms at all so it is difficult to say for certain without accurate antibody testing.

Terri

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