Type testing and need for antiviral drugs

[SusieQ4]

In August of 2014, I had unprotected sex and oral sex with a man that had a cold sore (it looked healed). One week later I had the first break out (genital). My OB swabbed the area and tests were negative. I followed up with my dermatologist who biopsied one spot and told me it was herpes. I wanted to know the type, but he told me it did not matter.

After the initial outbreak, (that lasted about 3 weeks) I have had no symptoms since, until now. So, contacted in late August, symptoms lasting most of the month of September and noting else until now (6 months symptom free). Now there are bumps showing up in the original location. They don’t seem to be severe.

I have been avoiding taking any medication to help with the breakout in the hopes that my body can handle it on it’s own. I’m not a fan of taking any medication. My doctor did prescribe the generic Valtrex, but I have not taken the first one.

1) Will taking the medication interfere with my bodies ability to fight the infection on it’s own?

2) Since my second outbreak was over six months after my first, can I be somewhat hopeful that my breakouts will be seldom or that they will be mild?

Thank you,
SusieQ

[Terri Warren]

1. No, it will not. Not at all.
2. Yes, I think you can. Because it sounds to me like you may have acquired HSV 1from the oral sex, though it is not possible to say without a type specific antibody test. Have you done that? It definitely matters if you have HSV 1 vs. HSV 2 for many reasons.

Terri

[SusieQ4]

No type testing was done. My dermatologist made me feel quite stupid for even asking. He said it doesn’t matter. I will have the testing, just not sure where to go now or what to ask for.

[Terri Warren]

You can request type specific antibody testing , IgG only, at many websites online, including healthcheckusa.com. You don’t need a health care provider’s order to do this! Do not get IgM testing.

Terri

[Author]

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