HSV Orally

[Jconfused]

Hi there,

I had unprotected vaginal and oral sex with my husband. I was experiencing a terrible chest infection/cold at the time. A few days later I visited my primary care physician for what I thought was a yeast infection so was very surprised to learn she suspected it was herpes. I’m still waiting for my blood work but am experiencing all the classic symptoms so I’ve basically accepted it for what it is. I comleted 10 days of antiviral treatment and my gential symptoms seems to have subsided. However I’m now having some oral symptoms.
My questions are primarily around the HSV2 oral infection. I don’t have any classic blisters on my lips but have some inside my mouth. I’ve also noticed several new “pimples” on my face and well as burning itchy eyes that are a little crusty when I wake up. What is the likelihood of it spreading to other parts of my face or am I just being paranoid ?
-I’m still having exhaustion/flu like symptoms 3 weeks later, is this normal ?
-I’ve read the likelihood of HSV2 recurring orally is very low as it isn’t the “preferred” location. Just hoping for some clarification on that. What does this mean for my future, kissing, sharing a lipstick etc. Can I expect this to be the only oral outbreak?

Lastly, my husband has no symptoms at all. He is waiting for bloodwork back from his doctor, however this entire expericience has been confusing for both of us. I trust that he didn’t cheat, just confused how neither of us managed to have symptoms for 10 years until this encounter when I was sick.

Thank you

[Terri Warren]

Before you jump to conclusions, how do you know you have HSV 2? We don’t even know you have herpes yet, right? Did you she do a swab test of the lesions? If yes, be certain that the virus is typed (HSV 1 or 2). The antibody test, if you have new infection, may well be negative (ignore the IgM if she did it – the CDC says never to do it – only pay attention to the IgG test.) But since the test is looking or antibody, it takes time to make that – sometimes up to 12 weeks.

Have you ever in your life had a cold sore on your lip? How about your husband? And is he the giver of oral sex to you?

Terri

[Jconfused]

Hi Terry,

They only did blood work as my gential symptoms had subsided by the time I got in to my doctor. My understanding is if this is a new infection to me I could get a false negative to intend to follow up regardless of the result. Having that said that I had the classic itching/burning symptoms, followed by minimal lesions.

Operating in the assumption that I do have HSV2, can you answer the following questions for me as they seem to be causing me the most angst at the moment and my primary care doctor is still saying that oral and gential are “different strains” which is frustrating as I’ve done a lot of reading to the contrary.

-Operating on the assumption I do have HSV2 orally, what is the likihood of reoccurrence given it’s not the preferred location. I have an extremely client facing job and the thought of having to deal with this often is causing me significant anxiety. I have never had a cold sore before.

-What is the likihood of one occurring on my chin & cheek. My eyes have also been irritated and crusty when I wake up. Should I seek medical care or am I just lumping everything into once catergory out of paranoia.

I’ve also been the sickest I’ve never been for several weeks which was prior to the “outbreak” so it may have been the perfect storm for my immune system to be down.

If you could answer these for me it would put me at ease until I’m able to get some concrete answers from my physician.

Thanks you for you’re help and the materials you’ve made available online. The book is extremely informative and it’s nice to know there’s a resource available for what appears to be a widely misunderstood condition.

[Jconfused]

Hi Terry,

I’m not sure if I have any questions left do let me know if I need to renew my subscription.

I’m definitely having an oral hsv2 infection. Several lesions inside my mouth and now one has appeared on my lip (albeit very mild). My sister drank out of my water bottle yesterday when I wasn’t paying attention. Now I’m horrified I could have passed this along to her. The internet has conflicting information, some sites say it’s impossible and some recommend not sharing anything when there’s an active outbreak.

[Terri Warren]

-Operating on the assumption I do have HSV2 orally, what is the likihood of reoccurrence given it’s not the preferred location. I have an extremely client facing job and the thought of having to deal with this often is causing me significant anxiety. I have never had a cold sore before.

IF you have HSV 2 orally, it is unlikely to recur often at all. And I still don’t know why you think you have HSV 2 vs. HSV 1 vs. something else.

-What is the likihood of one occurring on my chin & cheek. My eyes have also been irritated and crusty when I wake up. Should I seek medical care or am I just lumping everything into once catergory out of paranoia.

I’m not worried about your eyes but if you are you could be seen and evaluated. Outbreaks could occur on your chin IF you are infected orally

I’m definitely having an oral hsv2 infection. Several lesions inside my mouth and now one has appeared on my lip (albeit very mild).

I hope that you had these swab tested!

My sister drank out of my water bottle yesterday when I wasn’t paying attention. Now I’m horrified I could have passed this along to her.

I think the odds of you transmitting herpes to your sister this way are extremely low – and again, you have no idea if you have HSV 2 or not!

This is your final post on this subscription. If you have more questions, feel free to renew

Terri

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