HSV1 and HSV2

[PeaceofMind]

Terri,

I contracted HSV2 from my ex-husband. It was transmitted to him by someone who was fully aware that they had the virus, but did not disclose their status. He was diagnosed by a blood test. Unfortunately I do not know specifically what test. He tested negative for HSV1 and positive for HSV2, however his score for HSV1 was within a few percentage points of being positive. The doctor said he was negative HSV1 and positive HSV2.

Is it possible to have both HSV1 and HSV2? Is it possible to transmit HSV1 thru sharing drinks, etc. HSV1 was never a concern for me until today when my ex-husband shared his drink with our minor child. I have become quite the germa-phobe in dealing with this so I was bothered by the drink sharing.

[PeaceofMind]

Just wanted to provide some additional information to help clarify my question. I was unable to get the actual test results as he no longer has them. I do remember that based on the indexes noted below his HSV 2 value was high (maybe over 5 ) and definitely positive (as expected). The HSV1 value fell in the equivocal range, I believe a little over 1.00. He was told negative HSV1 and positive HSV2. The testing was done several months after exposure. At the time there was great concern over the HSV2 so I never thought much about HSV1 until I noticed my ex sharing drinks with our child today. Would really like to understand what does falling in the equivocal range mean, particulary with a positive HSV2 test. Would also like to understand the risk of transmitting HSV1.

Thank you

<0.90 Negative
> 1.10 Positive
0.91 – 1.09 Equivocal

[Terri Warren]

Fifty six percent of the US population between 14 and 49 has HSV 1 infection so it is very common indeed – more common to be infected than not infected.

It is possible that the HSV 1 test was responding to high levels of HSV 2 antibody, in spite of being type specific. Sometimes there is a bit of “dribble” over between the two types. Or he could actually have HSV 1 infection. If he does, and has no active cold sore, then I would not worry about sharing drinks or utensils. Those items are not good transmitters of virus. The only inanimate things I worry about in terms of transmission of HSV 1 are lipsticks and lip balms. They stay nice and moist and usually dark, conditions, the viruses like for growing.

The screening test that your ex-husband had done misses about 1-2 out of 10 HSV 1 infections, so it is not perfect in several ways. There is a more accurate test available called the herpes western blot. However, if he is not now positive for HSV 1, it is highly unlikely he will ever acquire it after having HSV 2. And yes, lots of people have both HSV 1 and HSV 2 infections.

Do you know your HSV 1 status?

Terri

[PeaceofMind]

Terri,

Thank you for your response. His exposure to HSV1 would have been from the same person and from the same time period..several months or even years back. Again, I never gave the HSV1 much concern since his doctor said it was negative and he has never had a cold sore. HSV has been problematic for me so everything seems to trigger worry of transmission for me now. I do not know my current HSV1 status, but I was tested prior to this situation as part of a full STD screen and I was negative for HSV1 and HSV2. When I was diagnosed with HSV2 it was from a swab test. The only result that was shared with me at the time was that I was positive HSV2. Why is it that HSV1 seems to be transmittable via innate objects but from what I read it is unlikely to transmit HSV2 this way.

Lastly, I am on 2/500 MG of Valtrex daily since being diagnosed. My initial outbreak was severe. It has been several months since I have had any blisters but I have constants symptoms, most days of the month (tingling, itching, discomfort, etc.). A few months ago my Dr. increased my meds for a month to 3/500MG per day and I seemed to feel better. I am surprised that I still have this level of discomfort with the amount of meds I take. If I miss a day of medication I am very likely to get an outbreak. I will be discussing this with my doctor, but wanted to ask is there any issue with taking the increase dosage 3/500MG of valtrex and are there any long term affect of taking daily anti-viral meds. Also I was considering asking him to switch me to acyclovir to see if this helps.

[Terri Warren]

Why is it that HSV1 seems to be transmittable via innate objects but from what I read it is unlikely to transmit HSV2 this way.

I don’t agree that HSV 1 is easily transmittable through inanimate objects – I only listed lipstick and lip gloss. HSV 2 can be transmitted via sex toys that are shared.

While your dose is higher than normal, I think it is likely fine. Do you space them out over the course of a day or take them all at once? There are no long term effects of these medicines that we are aware of at all. For most people, acyclovir works as well as Valtrex.

Terri

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