Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Does HVS 1 And 2 Transmitted?
Question: From recent blood work I found out that I have HVS1 and tested negative for HVS2.My wife will be tested this week. We have been married for 35 years and both my wife and I have never had any relations outside our marriage. Neither of us has ever had any type of outbreak during our life that we are aware of. Is it possible for it to be asymptomatic for this long? Is HVS1 a STD and can I transmit it to her genitals if I were to perform oral sex on her and could she transmit it to me in the same manner assuming she tests positive for the HVS1 virus? This whole HVS1 and HVS2 is very confusing and there is a lot of conflicting information out there.
Brief Answer:
Information regarding herpes
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.
I have taken note of your query and I have understood your concern.
Hsv type 1 commonly cause oro-labial herpes whereas type 2 Hsv causes genital herpes.
Though either type of Hsv can cause both oral as well as genital herpes infection.
Herpes is an STD, whether it is type 2 Or type 2 though the infection may be acquired through non-sexual routes like kissing.
Infection is usually acquired by close/ direct contact. Therefore oral herpes can be transmitted to genitals through Oral sex and vice versa.
The risk of transmission is more during a clinical episode of herpetic sores and less at other times but it not Zero! even during clinically asymptomatic phases.
It is common for the virus to stay dormant in nerve ganglion for years. Minor episodes may pass unnoticed Or may be mistaken for another condition.
Most of the infected individuals are unaware of infection unless this is revealed by lab tests.
Regards
Information regarding herpes
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.
I have taken note of your query and I have understood your concern.
Hsv type 1 commonly cause oro-labial herpes whereas type 2 Hsv causes genital herpes.
Though either type of Hsv can cause both oral as well as genital herpes infection.
Herpes is an STD, whether it is type 2 Or type 2 though the infection may be acquired through non-sexual routes like kissing.
Infection is usually acquired by close/ direct contact. Therefore oral herpes can be transmitted to genitals through Oral sex and vice versa.
The risk of transmission is more during a clinical episode of herpetic sores and less at other times but it not Zero! even during clinically asymptomatic phases.
It is common for the virus to stay dormant in nerve ganglion for years. Minor episodes may pass unnoticed Or may be mistaken for another condition.
Most of the infected individuals are unaware of infection unless this is revealed by lab tests.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the information. Just so I understand 100%, even though I have HVS1 it can still break out in the genital area as well as around the mouth and face.
With HVS1 is there any type of antiviral medication I should take on a regular basis to help prevent or reduce the number of outbreaks? If not, what is the best medication I can use once on occurs?
With HVS1 is there any type of antiviral medication I should take on a regular basis to help prevent or reduce the number of outbreaks? If not, what is the best medication I can use once on occurs?
Brief Answer:
Antiviral like valacyclovir can be used to treat clinical episode of herpes
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Yes, Hsv type 1 can infect both genital as well as oral mucosa i.e it can be transmitted from oral mucosa to genital mucosa and vice versa through oral sex.
Genital Hsv type 1 can be transmitted by genital to genital contact.
Antiviral like acyclovir/ valacyclovir are treatments that can be taken for a clinical episode of herpes.
Treatment is just for the clinical episodes in those who have far and few recurrences.
Continuous suppressive treatment is only reserved for those who have very frequent and sever recurrences.
Therefore there is no need for regular treatment in your case.
If and whenever you have an outbreak, only that needs to be treated with a week of antivirals.
Regards
Antiviral like valacyclovir can be used to treat clinical episode of herpes
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Yes, Hsv type 1 can infect both genital as well as oral mucosa i.e it can be transmitted from oral mucosa to genital mucosa and vice versa through oral sex.
Genital Hsv type 1 can be transmitted by genital to genital contact.
Antiviral like acyclovir/ valacyclovir are treatments that can be taken for a clinical episode of herpes.
Treatment is just for the clinical episodes in those who have far and few recurrences.
Continuous suppressive treatment is only reserved for those who have very frequent and sever recurrences.
Therefore there is no need for regular treatment in your case.
If and whenever you have an outbreak, only that needs to be treated with a week of antivirals.
Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
