The Risk Of Spreading Herpes

"I went to the doctor for a rash on the sides of my torso. I tested positively for genital herpes, but I have never had any signs of herpes before. I have not been in a sexual relationship with anyone for 3 years before my new relationship, and my partner tested negatively for STDs. My doctor said I probably have immunity to herpes and I have less than 1% chance of spreading the virus to my partner. Is this accurate?"

Mmmm. Herpes on the torso. That's not common and could be easily confused by you or your doctor with herpes zoster which sounds like herpes but is actually caused by a different virus called varicella, the virus that causes chicken pox. But let's talk about genital herpes, the kind caused by the herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2 which is sexually transmitted, spread from person to person during sex and very common. Many people never show signs of genital herpes, and those that do can have many different types of outbreaks from a little genital itching or burning to fluid-filled blisters that last for a couple of days and then become painful sores that eventually heal in days to weeks. Often outbreaks can be triggered by stress, other illnesses, lack of sleep, and perhaps genital friction- meaning that some people can have an outbreak after being sexually active.

There is no way to cure herpes, though there are antiviral medications like acyclovir available to treat it. These can lessen the risk of spreading herpes to others, but there are no ways to completely reduce that risk. No one is immune to herpes…yet (a vaccine for women might be coming soon)-even if you are on medication and use condoms, there is still a slight possibility that you will give it to your sex partners. Using condoms regularly and not having sex when you have an outbreak are the best ways to protect you and your partner.

For more information about herpes, visit http://sfcityclinic.org/stdbasics/herpes.asp.

To your health,
Dr. K

(Photo: Getty Images)

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Dr. K is Jeffrey D. Klausner, MD, MPH, a board-certified internist and infectious disease specialist. Currently, he is a deputy health officer and director of the STD Prevention and Control Services Section at the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

Comments

[wha-wha]

this article has herpes, blah

[Chris]

That's all well and good...but to point out a medical report from the Mayo Clinic, one type is not genital in nature. Though can be, typical comes as a "cold" or "feaver" sore around the mouth. This is not directly contracted by sexual contact. I myself have had cold sores since I wa 16, I wasn't sexually active till I was 18. New reseach could have been done beyond the 2001 study that I read, i'm just pointing out what I read. I personaly don't believe in the "only chimical medications" bull put out by the government. I have found drinking aloe has reduced outbreaks of cold sores. Studies have also shown that aloe being consumed as also reduced outbreaks of many illnesses including effects of HIV, (full AIDS was not mentioned in the study). No cures has been found as of yet, but studies do show very positive results for drinking aloe. All I am saying is DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!

[shawn]

what products contain aloe ??

[cacahandika]

hi im caca im prom in indonesian and you??????

[Me]

Oral herpes is so out of control, you'll never know when or how you got it. The quickest way to stop an outbreak is to immediately take acyclovir (internally, 3 times a day) AND apply acyclovir cream (zovirax, etc...) to the suspectedly infected/outbreak area at the first sign of an outbreak. The only way to avoid an outbreak is to not put your body in the state of stress, which is impossible so there is really no way to completely avoid an outbreak, just ways to quickly stop it.

[Jim]

Anal warts...do they go away? I was recently diagnosed of having non-cancer anal warts (thanks to an old BF) and I had laser surgery to remove them...I've read on the CDC's website and the Mayo Clinc's website that the non-cancer anal warts usually go away within about two years. Is this true?