Transmission Question

[SapphireSwthrt]

I have genital HSV 1 (since 2008) and genital HSV 2 (not sure how long but I suspect within the last 3 years). I’ve only ever had one outbreak and it was type 1 (swabbed to confirm). If I sleep with a partner who has GHSV 1 or 2 that does not have the asymptomatic presentation, could I develop symptomatic herpes? I wasn’t sure if since I already have type 2 if I would just remain asymptomatic regardless or if there is a possibility I could start getting sores if I sleep with someone who does get sores.

[Terri Warren]

How do you know that you have HSV 2? Swab test, antibody test? It has to be an antibody test since you’ve only had one outbreak and it was HSV1. If it was an antibody test, what was the number associated with the positive test?

Terri

[SapphireSwthrt]

I tested positive for IGG for Herpes type 2. My antibody level has fluctuated for HSV 2, first it was 6.40, when I tested a month later it was 2.40. The inhibition panel was completed by quest diagnostics, it was positive. I eventually plan to get the blot to confirm the type 2. My initial outbreak of Type 1 GSHV was cultured and confirmed through swab in 2008. I’m just curious if I sleep with an individual who has the symptomatic presentation of type 1 or 2 genitally if I could become symptomatic for either type when I haven’t been symptomatic for 15 years. I am just trying to gauge if I could suddenly start getting outbreaks if I sleep with other HSV positive individuals or if it’s more likely I’ll remain asymptomatic. I know genital to genital is super rare transmission wise for GSHV 1 and that the shedding rates are lower for asymptomatic individuals of both types. I have an extensive amount of antibody protection because of having GSHV 1 for 15 years now. My IGG level for type 1 is 34.6. I have had oral hsv 1 since I was a child, I only manifested physical symptoms genitally once in 2008. I wasn’t aware I even had type 2 until a few months ago. Never had a positive swab or an outbreak that was HSV 2. Not even sure if I have type 2 genitally or orally at this point. My last test was in the false positive range so I know the blot will be in my future when I’m in a better place financially to do so. I just am scared of exposing myself to others with HSV 2 who are symptomatic since I do not get symptoms, I don’t want to start getting them if I can prevent that it possible. Any advice? I know that my shedding rates are lower due to being asymptomatic and that I am more likely to remain asymptomatic because I had the protective antibodies from type 1 for a substantial time before I even contracted type 2. We’ve spoken before, I’ve consulted with you on video in regard to acquiring the Western Blot and we’ve corresponded over email previously.

[Terri Warren]

Without confirmation that you are actually infected with HSV 2, I don’t think you should be having unprotected sex with someone who is HSV 2 or you could end up being infected when you weren’t before, unless that is not a concern of yours.

If you have sex with someone who is also HSV 1, this should not make you more symptomatic, no.
How often do you get cold sores?

Terri

[SapphireSwthrt]

Thank you for your reply.
I haven’t had a cold sore in well over a decade.

I don’t have unprotected sex in general, so that’s not something I’d be doing regardless of someone’s HSV status.

I just am not sure if I can give someone the symptomatic presentation of herpes (type 2) even though I (possibly) have it asymptomatically. I wasn’t sure if symptomatic people are the only ones who can pass on symptoms or if a partner could get symptoms from me even though I don’t ever get them?

If I do end up being positive for it; I want to know how likely it is that someone could cause me to have symptoms if I sleep with someone (protected) who has GHSV 2 but who experiences symptoms. I don’t know if that’s possible or not if I already have it asymptomatically myself. Would that protect me from becoming symptomatic?

I recently met someone who believes he may have herpes (he had one bump and had burning when he peed, no itching or pain). He tested negative but his former partner tested positive (never told him which type she had). I don’t want to count him out necessarily even if I don’t already have type 2. I honestly think due to the mild presentation that it’s more likely he doesn’t have it at all or he has very mild type 1. Initial outbreaks are usually god awful though, so I am hesitant to automatically assume it’s herpes.

However, after dealing with this whole ordeal, I don’t want to avoid someone just because they have herpes type 2. I still have type 1, regardless. I just want to be safe about it and know what my risks of becoming symptomatic are if I engage with someone with type 2. I’d like to avoid symptoms if possible.

He is going for testing to confirm for sure which type he may have soon (this whole thing only occurred within the last few months with his ex, so only one possible “outbreak” thus far).

• This reply was modified 3 months, 3 weeks ago by SapphireSwthrt. Reason: Forgot to include the answer to the question regarding oral outbreaks

[Terri Warren]

OK, now I think I understand your question more fully.
So each of your immune systems will handle HSV infections in your own way. If you actually do have HSV 2, which I’m not convinced that you do yet, and are asymptomatic, having sex with another person who has HSV 2 who has symptoms will not make you symptomatic or them asymptomatic. I think that’s what you are asking me

Terri

[SapphireSwthrt]

Yes, my main question is if I have asymptomatic GHSV 2, could I start getting symptoms if I sleep with someone who does get sores who has GHSV 2 or if I would be immune to getting sores because I already (possibly have) GHSV 2 asymptomatically?
So what I’m gathering from your answer (correct me if I’m misunderstanding) is that if someone already has GHSV2 but they are asymptomatic it is unlikely for them to become symptomatic even if they sleep with someone who has GHSV2 who actually does get sores from it.
So since I’m asymptomatic, I won’t become symptomatic even if I sleep with a partner who has GHSV 2 and does get sores? I just want to make sure I understand fully.

The second part was asking if I sleep with someone who doesn’t have herpes and I’m asymptomatic, if they could develop the infection with symptoms even if I don’t ever get them myself?
So correct me if I’m misunderstanding: Are you saying it would vary based on the person’s immune system as to whether they would present asymptomatic or symptomatic if they would become infected as a result of sleeping with me? So someone could develop either the asymptomatic or symptomatic presentation from someone who has asymptomatic GHSV 2 if they weren’t previously infected with it?

I want to know for the sake of disclosing to future partners who do not have GHSV 2 (if I end up being actually positive for it). I just want to be able to inform them as to whether they could experience symptoms even though I don’t.

Thank you so much for your time!

[Terri Warren]

So since I’m asymptomatic, I won’t become symptomatic even if I sleep with a partner who has GHSV 2 and does get sores? I just want to make sure I understand fully.
Correct

yes, if you infect someone with HSV 2, they may or may not be symptomatic. Their immune system will impact that.

Terri

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