HSV2 and Alcohol use

[Styler]

I contracted HSV2 by my second sexual partner in 1995. Information on it then was extremely limited. I was given a leaflet and advised to abstain from intercourse during outbreaks. Now in 2015 I have a new partner who is extremely concerned about contracting HSV2 from me. He has not been tested but is sure that he does not have it.

We have both been researching up to date information on ways to suppress the virus and to keep it as dormant as possible so I now take Acyclovir 400mg twice a day and take several vitamins and minerals to aid my immune system.

Prior to taking the daily medication, I would get an outbreak maybe once a year with odd blisters every few weeks. This would normally occur following a period of stress. We have also used condoms for further protection.

Our issue is around my alcohol use. He does not drink at all and I drink 1 glass of wine approximately every other week – if I am having a meal with friends. My partner is concerned that if I consume any alcohol at all, it will reduce my immunity to suppressing the virus during asymptomatic shedding thereby putting him at increased risk.

Can you please advise me if drinking alcohol at this level will be putting him at risk please? At the moment, he is refusing to make love – unless I completely abstain from alcohol.

Thank you for your help.

[Terri Warren]

There is zero evidence that drinking alcohol has anything to do with herpes recurrences or shedding virus. Zero. Your partner sounds a big controlling, don’t you think? Sometimes life becomes pretty difficult for someone who has herpes and who has a partner who does not (or in your case, who believes he does not). The person with herpes can start feeling “one down” or somehow less worthy of power or decision making than the person who does not. Remember that what you have is a virus – it is not a description of who you are. I hope you will keep that in mind in dealing with this partner. And also, 80% of those who have HSV 2 infection are sure they don’t have it until testing proves otherwise.

Terri

[Styler]

Hi Terri

Thank you for that. I hadn’t been able to find anything online that confirmed his viewpoint, so I appreciate your clarity. Yes I am concerned that he is being controlling … as I know I do not have a problem with alcohol.

I was diagnosed by a swab test at the first outbreak. Am I correct in thinking that he would need a blood test for HSV antibodies as he is without symptoms?

[Terri Warren]

Yes, you are correct that he would need an IgG type specific antibody test.
Watch that controlling thing – that could escalate and I want you to be aware if it is happening.

Terri

[Author]

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