How to go about possible exposure

[forumquestion123]

Just want to start by saying that I know I am truly negative because I recently had a western blot.

My most recent partner didn’t disclose that he has ohsv1. He hasn’t had an outbreak in a few years. I very briefly received oral sex from him probably lasting no more than 30 seconds and pretty much immediately washed my penis with soap and water afterwards. We had also been kissing, and I’d seen him twice more that week and we briefly kissed then as well. Given these brief encounters with someone who very infrequently gets cold sores is fairly unlikely to transmit, what do you think is the appropriate way to move forward, assuming no symptoms show?
I know ohsv1 is often asymptomatic and for a sexually active person it is almost inevitable to have exposure at some point, whether the infected person is aware of their status or not. I also know that the reason many cases are undetected are because symptoms are not recognized so I will be checking meticulously within the 2-10 day window. Assuming that no symptoms show, do you think it’s fair to assume my status is still negative and move on? I know it’s there’s always a chance to have a totally asymptomatic infection especially orally, but I’m just wondering what your opinion is and how you might handle the situation yourself.

[Terri Warren]

I think since you are negative for HSV 1 and 2 by western blot, it is likely that if you acquired either, you would be more symptomatic. I don’t think there is anything that you need to do at this point. It is completely fair to say you are still negative, yes. I would handle this situation exactly as I am directing you to do if I was in your situation.

Terri

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