– what seems the more likely explanation? That this is a new infection (I had a protected sexual encounter 6 days prior to the appearance of the lesion), that this is the first outbreak I’m experiencing of an established dormant infection, or that I might already have HSV1 and so this first GHSV2 outbreak is mild.
I think the first option is very unlikely – condoms reduce transmission from men to women by 96%. The later two are both possible and since we don’t know your HSV 1 status, I can’t say.
– what does it mean to have such a mild outbreak? It really looks nothing like the horror outbreaks I see pictures of and people discussing. Honestly, I wonder how many people who aren’t informed would miss such a symptom. But does it mean that I might be shedding less than someone who gets severe outbreaks?
No, it says nothing about your shedding rate but it does suggest a recurrence. An antibody test done at the time of the swab would have told you that.
– I disclosed to my sexual partner who is going to get tested too but in the absence of lesions he will have to get an igg blood test. In case he is not infected and we decide to continue a sexual relationship, should I be doing anything different? We already use condoms and I’m OK with taking antivirals. Would doubling up on antivirals on the day of sex further reduce transmission risk? Like say, 500mg daily, and 1000mg on the day of sex. If so, how many hours prior to sex should I ideally take the antivirals? Can he also take preventative antivirals?
If he is positive also, it’s not an issue. If he is negative, and you take daily antivirals and he uses a condom, the risk of transmission to him is very low indeed. You should be on antivirals for 5 days to be fully effective and you could double up though we don’t know for sure how much benefit that would be.
Terri