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How Is Herpes Transmitted?
Question: I'm a 76 year old male. I had a positive HSV1 antibody test result 2 1/2 years ago. My brother suffers common variable auto immune deficiency syndrome. He has had this disease for 40 years. He is 74 yrs. old. He has been having multiple problems recently. They have discovered that he
has herpes esophagitis and most recently has an infection of his eye. Every since I heard that he
has herpes esophagitis, I have been filled with guilt that he contracted the herpes from me. I have consulted with some doctors on this site and some have said it is unlikely that I gave it to him. Some have said I could have. I am very upset and filled with guilt to see him suffering as he is knowing that I could have given him herpes. I don't know how to deal with my guilt. I pray a lot for my brother's health and well-being, as well as asking for forgiveness. My wife and family know nothing of my having herpes. My medical doctors advised me not to tell my wife and family when I first received the HSV1 test result 2 1/2 years ago. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
has herpes esophagitis and most recently has an infection of his eye. Every since I heard that he
has herpes esophagitis, I have been filled with guilt that he contracted the herpes from me. I have consulted with some doctors on this site and some have said it is unlikely that I gave it to him. Some have said I could have. I am very upset and filled with guilt to see him suffering as he is knowing that I could have given him herpes. I don't know how to deal with my guilt. I pray a lot for my brother's health and well-being, as well as asking for forgiveness. My wife and family know nothing of my having herpes. My medical doctors advised me not to tell my wife and family when I first received the HSV1 test result 2 1/2 years ago. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress.
Important aspects of your query are:
• 76 year old male
• Positive HSV1 antibody test result 2 1/2 years
• Complaints of: Guilt of assumption for transferring herpes to immuno-compromised brother.
Immuno-compromised patients are at risk of developing multiple opportunistic infection, which normal person do not develop. In my view, it is unlikely that you transferred infection, even it is not matter, who is responsible for transferring infection. It is almost impossible to find source of infection, as you may not be aware who transferred infection to you.
May be your brother is infected with HSV long before compare to you, and diagnosed only now after multiple complication. The main reason for your brother's poor medical condition is common variable auto immune deficiency syndrome, for which you are not responsible at all.
I can understand the severity of pain you have. Currently you need to come over of this guilt and take care of him as much as possible. Apart from that pray and leave things in god's hand to decide.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress.
Important aspects of your query are:
• 76 year old male
• Positive HSV1 antibody test result 2 1/2 years
• Complaints of: Guilt of assumption for transferring herpes to immuno-compromised brother.
Immuno-compromised patients are at risk of developing multiple opportunistic infection, which normal person do not develop. In my view, it is unlikely that you transferred infection, even it is not matter, who is responsible for transferring infection. It is almost impossible to find source of infection, as you may not be aware who transferred infection to you.
May be your brother is infected with HSV long before compare to you, and diagnosed only now after multiple complication. The main reason for your brother's poor medical condition is common variable auto immune deficiency syndrome, for which you are not responsible at all.
I can understand the severity of pain you have. Currently you need to come over of this guilt and take care of him as much as possible. Apart from that pray and leave things in god's hand to decide.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for your reassuring thoughts. I shall concentrate on helping my brother. But , I am hesitant to touch him in light on HSV1 . Do you have any advice on this? Thanks
Brief Answer:
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for follow up,
You are right, there is need to concentrate to help him as much as possible. As you already have antibody against HSV then in my view there is no need to worry about HSV. You can care him under doctor's supervision.
Wishing him good health.
Regards,
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for follow up,
You are right, there is need to concentrate to help him as much as possible. As you already have antibody against HSV then in my view there is no need to worry about HSV. You can care him under doctor's supervision.
Wishing him good health.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you, Doctor. I probably will need to contact you again as I may have
further questions. Many thanks.
further questions. Many thanks.
Brief Answer:
Most welcome...
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.
Most welcome...
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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