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Hi, I Am Tested Positive For Hsv2. To Avoid Spreading

Posted on Fri, 12 Oct 2018

Question: Hi,

I am tested positive for hsv2.

To avoid spreading to others, what are all precautions I need to take care of.

I have so many questions when it comes to herpes regarding spreading it.
I need ur confirmation on my below understandings.

1) since it is genital herpes, it will spread when kissing only if
- I have open cracks or sores in my lips or mouth.
- if someone touches the mouth sores or lip cracks with finger, will it spread to them?

2) if the sores present in penis head, and having protected vaginal sex will not spread the virus.(provided I don’t have any other sores or open cracks in any other part of genitals, only in penis head)

3) if a person touches my penis head (with sores in it) with her hand, will it spread to her? (Assume the person don’t have any open cracks or sores in his hand)

4) if I do oral to a girl without any open sores/cracks in my tounge or mouth, will it spread to her?

5) if I touch the open sores with my finger and when I touch others with same hand/finger, will it spread?

5) what are all other precautions I need to take care of like sharing the clothes, food etc.

Thanks in advance.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding herpes simplex virus infection

Detailed Answer:
Helo. and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Hsv 2 usually infects genital mucosa whereas hsv 1 usually infects oro-labial mucosa.
Herpes simplex virus (hsv) is transmitted only by direct contact with infected surfaces e.g during kissing or during sexual contact.
The risk of transmission is more during an outbreak than at other times (clinically silent hsv infection).
Intact skin of hands or skin elsewhere doesn't usually gets infected with hsv just by touching the sores unless it is compromised e.g an abrasion. This risk is even less if there are no visible sores at all.
Protected sex reduces the risk of transmission of infection but it does not eliminate it, even if there are no sores because the virus can still be shed asymptomatically.
Performing oral sex on an uninfected partner can transfer the infection, even if there are no active sores.

Hope I have answered your query
Let me know if you need any more assistance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Hi sir, thanks.

I have few clarifications from ur reply.

1) if no open cracks in mouth or lips, or no sores in mouth/tongue, and with hsv2, in this case will kissing transmit to other uninfected person?

2) u told performing oral can transmit. If the person with hsv2 and no open sores or cuts, performs oral on vagina, will she get the virus? Because the infected person is having genital herpes, his ora labio mucus won’t have infection is my understanding..pls confirm.

3) any real time example u can elaborate me for protected sex transmission? Provided condom doesn’t break.

4) do I have life risk having hsv2 genital herpes?

Thanks for ur patience in answering.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (27 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding herpes simplex virus infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

1. HSV can be transmitted from clinically asymptomatic patients.
2. yes, unprotected oral sex can transmit the virus.
3. herpes is a local infection. If someone has genital infection then that person cannot infect through oral mucosa.
4. HSV is not a life-threatening disease.

Transmission rates can be reduced by using a condom regularly and by prophylactic once a day oral Valacyclovir.

Take care
Let me know if you need any more assistance

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana