New HSV-1 Diagnosis

[justfoundout]

Hi Terri,

I’m a 23 year old female. About a month ago I was diagnosed with genital HSV-1 via PCR swab. Both myself and the nurse were surprised because I didn’t have lesions – it was just a mildly irritating rash, sort of like shave bumps, around my anus and a bit on the entrance to my vagina. I believe I got it about a year and a half ago after unprotected vaginal sex (I had the same symptoms back then too but dismissed it.)

I’ve been reading a lot of the posts on here and I understand you don’t have a lot of statistics on genital HSV-1 transmission, so I appreciate you taking the time to answer me anyway! I’m dealing with this news the best I can by being as educated as possible.

My questions are:

– Because I’ve only had two outbreaks since my infection (a year and a half) and they are very mild, does this mean I shed the virus less? How often does HSV-1 typically shed?

– Do you have any statistics on chances of spreading gHSV-1 to an uninfected partner? I read that it’s about 4% for HSV-2 with no medication or condoms. Would you recommend taking suppressive medication if I choose to be sexually active? (of course I will use condoms as well – I’ve learnt my lesson there)

– If I also had HSV-2, would it have shown up in the PCR swab too? Should I get a blood test? (I’m in New Zealand so I can’t get the western blot)

Thanks so much for this forum – it’s been incredibly helpful!

[Terri Warren]

My questions are:

– Because I’ve only had two outbreaks since my infection (a year and a half) and they are very mild, does this mean I shed the virus less? How often does HSV-1 typically shed?

You definitely shed less often than someone with HSV 2 infection. on average, people with HSV 1 genital infection shed on about 5% of days swabbed (5 out of 100)

– Do you have any statistics on chances of spreading gHSV-1 to an uninfected partner? I read that it’s about 4% for HSV-2 with no medication or condoms. Would you recommend taking suppressive medication if I choose to be sexually active? (of course I will use condoms as well – I’ve learnt my lesson there)

I do not have statistics on HSV 1 transmission, no, but it is far less than HSV 2 for sure. I would recommend suppression if you are having sex with someone who is HSV 1 negative, yes. But that should be determined by testing not guessing

– If I also had HSV-2, would it have shown up in the PCR swab too? Should I get a blood test? (I’m in New Zealand so I can’t get the western blot)

It would be extremely unusual to contract HSV 1 after having HSV 2 already. That would not be a worry for me.

Terri

[justfoundout]

Thanks so much for your response Terri!

How often would I shed if I started taking suppressive medication?

Also, does shedding frequency decrease over time?

Thanks again – it’s really great to have personalised information on this as it will help if/when I need to inform a future partner.

[Terri Warren]

We don’t have the statistics on reduction of shedding of genital HSV 1 with suppression because that study has not been done and because HSV 1 genital shedding is uncommon. If it is consistent with the reduction of HSV 2 shedding, it reduces it by about 70%. Shedding frequency does, in general, reduce over time, yes, for sure.

I’m happy to be here for you.

Terri

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