mr_hopp

Hi @Aihm1 — you say you've been getting these papercut-looking fissures for several months. When you got tested via the Western Blot, how long after you first started noticing these symptoms did you get tested? In order for the WB to pick up the antibodies (if you have them), they need 3-4 months to build up in the bloodstream to be detectable. IgG isn't super reliable, so that one 7 months in isn't definitive.

Hey @LovelyB91, I'm really sorry to hear that the suppressive therapy with Valtrex didn't go as expected. It must be so frustrating and disheartening, especially when you were trying to take extra precautions in your new relationship. You know, our bodies can be so unpredictable, and what works for one person might not work the same way for someone else. It might be worth reaching out to your healthcare provider to share your experience and explore other options (different dosage, or try different meds altogether such as Famvir or Acyclovir) that could work better for you. As for success stories with long-term relationships and herpes, I totally get why you'd want to hear some positive experiences. It's like a glimmer of hope in sometimes challenging times. @AnnieO shared her journey, and even though her situation might not mirror yours, it reminds us that there are various paths people take with relationships and herpes. There are plenty of success stories that can be found in this thread: https://forums.herpesopportunity.com/?forumId=9 ... and keep in mind there are plenty more where those came from. I have a success story to share since my wife and I have been married for 6 years now (together 8y). We've had our stuff, as all long term relationships do (especially with a kid involved), but none of our "stuff" has had anything to do with herpes. Actually, disclosing herpes was what brought us more closely together and created more trust in our relationship. You can hear our story about the herpes talk and our relationship since on this interview: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/vice-interview-with-me-and-my-wife Also, keep in mind that so many times people come to herpes support forums like these when they're going through the bad times, but then when they see success, they move on, so it can feel like a skewed storyline where you only see the bad reflected in support forums without them being balanced out by all the happy endings that are out there. Sending you loads of virtual support and the best of luck in your journey!

Good job doing it. I know that's not easy and you did the right thing to bring your integrity back online. At the very least, that is a win. Keep us posted, okay? Good luck!

Hey there @LostinHSVLand, First of all, no need to apologize for seeking support and understanding here. We're all in this together, and sharing our experiences can be truly helpful for others going through similar situations. So thank you for reaching out and being part of our supportive community. It's understandable that you freaked out when those cysts appeared after being with your new partner. Uncertainty and fear can certainly trigger emotional responses, and sometimes it's hard to keep a cool head in those moments. I've had my share of shameful outbursts that make me look like a prepubescent teenager all over again. 😅 I want to commend you for taking the initiative to have open and honest conversations with your partner and getting tested regularly as a precaution. Communication and mutual respect are crucial. Given your partner's positive HSV1 test and no history of genital symptoms, it's possible that the transmission occurred through oral sex, which can happen with HSV1. However, it's also essential to keep in mind that not all cases of HSV1 result in genital symptoms, and it's not uncommon for the virus to remain dormant without causing any noticeable outbreaks. She also may have already had HSV1 before you and just didn't test for it? Hard to say without full data. As you mentioned, the odds of transmission are relatively low, and you've taken steps to get tested. It's good to know that your test results have been negative, but remember that serological testing might not always detect recent infections immediately. Waiting for a few months and retesting to ensure a clear result is a reasonable approach to take. Regarding your former partner, it's commendable that you've apologized and acknowledged your emotional response. Learning and growing from our experiences is part of being human. As for what's next, take some time to reflect on what you want in your relationships. Do some inner searching. Do work on healing that anger inside. Remember that taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. Ultimately, the decision about pursuing new relationships is entirely up to you. If you decide to explore new connections, open and honest communication about your herpes status with potential partners is essential. Take things one step at a time, be kind to yourself, and know that you have a community here that understands and supports you. We're here for you whenever you need to talk or seek advice. Wishing you all the best on your journey of healing and growth!

Hey there, Ah, sometimes, things can escalate quickly, and it's easy to get carried away in the moment. It's totally normal to feel guilty about not disclosing your herpes status before becoming intimate, but hey, we all make mistakes, and it's okay to feel conflicted about how to handle the situation. What's most important now is how you can make it right. Both to him and to yourself. I can imagine that you may not have been actively thinking about herpes, especially since you haven't had any outbreaks in a while. But now that it has come up, it's important to address it. You know the value of honesty, and being open about your herpes status is vital for both your emotional well-being and your potential partner's informed consent. Let's turn the tables for a moment and imagine him having herpes and choosing not to disclose it to you. You would probably appreciate him being honest and upfront about it, right? True connections are built on honesty, trust, and mutual respect. While it might feel scary, facing the situation head-on is often the best approach. Ghosting him might feel like a way to avoid potential rejection, but it's not a healthy or fair solution for either of you. Communication is key in any relationship. Having an open and honest conversation with him about your herpes diagnosis can help build trust and respect between you two. If he truly cares about you, he'll likely appreciate your honesty and understanding. Remember, you deserve to be with someone who accepts and values you for who you are. Here's a whole slew of helpful resources on "the talk": https://www.herpesopportunity.com/tag/the-herpes-talk ... and download the free e-book and handouts here: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook Since you have genital HSV-1, it's important to know that it's very unlikely to pass it to partners genital-to-genital with no outbreak or symptoms. It has a super low asymptomatic viral shedding rate (see the handouts that come with the ebook above for more on that), and Terri Warren told me that in all her years consulting her herpes patients, she's never seen one case of genital-to-genital HSV-1 transmission. This is not to say to not disclose or now to avoid the conversation with him, but to help educate him on the low risk that it actually poses to him so he understands what he's getting into. When you're ready, take a deep breath, and have a calm and genuine conversation with him. Be prepared to answer any questions he might have, and reassure him that you take his feelings seriously. It takes courage to own up to your mistakes. And ironically, it may even be an opportunity to build even stronger trust since you know how it feels to not follow your strong integrity. You got this! Trust yourself and remember that you deserve love and respect. We're here to support you, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need more advice or just someone to talk to. Wishing you the best of luck!

My pleasure! I'm glad it was helpful. And yes, those do look like classic herpes outbreaks on your wrist. I'm glad you're going to a dermatologist to get more datapoints to work with. That's odd that the PCR tests came back negative. When done correctly (getting the fluid from an active blister or fissure, which is quite painful), then PCR test results tend to be very reliable. Perhaps there just wasn't enough on the swab to be detectable? Or perhaps you got swabbed when the outbreak was in its healing phase and there wasn't enough to get on the swab? And as far as your serum test (which I assume was an IgG test?), since it was 3 months ago that you were exposed, then that is still in the "gray area" where herpes antibodies might not be detectable in the blood. They give a wide window saying you need to wait 3-4 months before getting a more accurate blood test. So that part tracks — you may actually be HSV-2 positive as well, but the antibodies need more time to grow to detectable levels. To be certain you get the right data, I'd wait another month at least and then get a Western Blot, which is the gold standard in herpes blood tests and way more reliable than IgG tests. I hope the dermatologist visit brings more clarity, and in the meantime, know that we're here for you. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need support, have questions, or just want to share your experiences.

Hey there, I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a tough time with these outbreaks. It sounds like they've been lasting longer and showing up in different places each time, which must be really frustrating and concerning. About the hypothyroidism ... (First of all, I want to acknowledge that you're surely way more knowledgeable about this than I am!) Hypothyroidism can cause a disruption of the immune system, which could potentially lead to more outbreaks. There's a study that investigated the association between thyroid hormones in hypothyroid patients and the presence of the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). They found that hypothyroid patients had higher levels of both HSV and a protein called IL-23, which suggests possible immune system disturbances. And I hear you that the Synthroid has gotten your hypothyroidism under control, which in tandem should be bringing your immune system under control and helping to stave off herpes outbreaks, so who knows. There may even be a drug interaction between Synthroid and Valtrex, although drugs.com says there isn't one.) As you know, there's just so much to consider in the interplay between all this stuff. Now, let's talk about everything else you shared ... Dealing with herpes can be a rollercoaster of emotions, yes! And it's completely normal to feel fragile and overwhelmed at times, especially everything you've gone through in the past few months. We all have had our own flavor of those emotions, for sure! Just know that you're not alone in this journey of healing. I totally get why you might be worried about spreading it to your 5-year-old or experiencing triggers that lead to outbreaks, especially if it's on the parts of your body he might touch. It's natural to be cautious, especially when you're still figuring out how this virus affects you. And talking openly with your partner about your concerns can be a good step in finding ways to navigate intimacy together. You know, just to be sure, you might want to get some of these blisters swabbed and PCR tested to make absolutely sure they are herpes outbreaks? As for Valtrex not seeming to work as expected, keep communicating with your doc about your experiences. They can help you understand what might be going on and explore other options if necessary. Everyone's body is different, so what works for one person may not work the same way for another. Perhaps talk to your doc about switching to an alternative such as acyclovir, famciclovir, pritelivir and see how that goes? Coping with constant outbreaks can be overwhelming. And yes, for most people, outbreaks do become less frequent over time. (It also took me about a year before I was only having just a few outbreaks per year, although I wasn't having as many outbreaks as you're experiencing.) In the meantime, know that you have a community here that cares about your well-being and is ready to listen and support you. Take things one step at a time, be patient with yourself, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. You're stronger than you may realize. Sending you virtual hugs and support!

Regarding the symptoms you've described, herpes can manifest differently for different people. While some may experience the classic sores and blisters, others might have milder symptoms or even no noticeable outbreaks at all. It's possible to be asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms, so your experience isn't unheard of. And Western Blot is the gold standard for herpes blood tests. I haven't heard of any false positives or negatives with WB. Now as far as if that rash is herpes, if it is, that would be a atypical presentation as far as I've seen. If I had to guess, that rash is something else and your herpes seems to be asymptomatic for now (20% of all herpes carriers are asymptomatic, FYI). The best way to get an answer as to whether that rash is specifically herpes is to get it swabbed. It sounds like the only area that was swabbed was your feet? If that was an outbreak, then swabbing it should pick up enough virus to be detectable on a PCR test. Perhaps reach out to our friend Terri Warren to see if she's seen anything like that?

Hey there, It's possible that the sensations you're feeling could be related to prodrome, those early warning signs before an outbreak. They can last for a few hours to a few days, but they don't always lead to an outbreak. In these prodrome-ish times, it's safe to assume that you are shedding more virus so take more precautions than you otherwise would. And for most people, those kinds of random burning sensations last for about a year or so, then they gradually subside as your body gets more of a handle on the virus and can suppress it more naturally. Easier said than done, but try not to worry too much, as stress and anxiety can sometimes exacerbate symptoms. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and we're here to support you. Reach out anytime you need someone to talk to or if you have more questions. Hang in there!

Hey there, First of all, welcome to the community! It's great to have you here, though I wish it was under different circumstances. Dealing with a herpes diagnosis can be challenging, but you're definitely not alone, and we're here to support you. I totally get that the initial outbreak and the second one hitting you harder can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions. It's okay to have those moments of feeling sorry for yourself or regretful. The important thing is to allow yourself to process those feelings and know that it's completely natural to experience them. It's interesting how subsequent outbreaks are often said to be milder, but as with anything related to herpes, everyone's experience can be different. And it seems like the UTI might have played a role in this one being more severe. The combination of factors like the timing of starting antivirals and the UTI itself could have contributed to the intensity of this outbreak. I wouldn't put a ton of stock in only the first outbreak was supposed to be the worst. The first few can actually be pretty intense, but gradually over time, healthy immune systems tend to keep future outbreaks at bay. Just give it time. My first few were pretty bad, but they did keep getting easier and easier to manage. Fast forward to now and they're barely a blip on the radar. In the meantime, take it easy and give yourself some extra self-care. Healing physically and emotionally from an outbreak can take time, and it's essential to be gentle with yourself. Again, welcome to the community, and we're here to walk this journey with you. Take care, and hang in there! 😊

Hey there, I'm really sorry to hear what you've been through. It must have been incredibly tough dealing with this situation. It's totally normal to feel upset and scared right now. Anyone would be in your shoes. Since you're medically educated, you probably have a good grasp of the situation in your head, but emotions can still hit hard. Sometimes it can feel like an internal civil war between the logical mind and the feeling heart. And it can take some time before the heart can move through all these painful feelings and come out the other side ready to open up again. And it's great that you asked for suppressive therapy to take control of your health. Feeling scared to date again is totally normal. Trust was broken, and it takes time to feel safe again. When you're ready, take small steps back into the dating scene. You have the right to set whatever boundaries you need to feel safe and talk openly about your needs. And hey, finding someone who is also HSV-positive is absolutely NOT a necessity ... at all! In fact, I believe it's a way that we can pre-reject ourselves by self-segregating. (I wrote an article about it: "Does this mean herpes-only dating now?") It's all about choosing not to believe the BS that you are now some "diseased" person who isn't allowed to date "normal" people. Shake that off. It's not true. It just means you need to get good at disclosing from your heart and only disclosing to those who you trust with your vulnerability. There are soooo many caring and understanding people out there who will respect you and your journey, no matter what. There are just so many examples I've seen, not only in my own life, but in countless others. Also, an important caveat that you may have already heard about: Genital HSV-1 sheds so much less (3-5%/yr) than genital HSV-2 (15-30%/yr) — see more of this data in the free H Opp ebook/handouts. And interestingly, one of the top herpes researchers Terri Warren once told me she has never seen a case of genital HSV-1 getting passed to a partner via genital-to-genital sex. (In fact, around 50% of all new genital herpes cases are HSV-1 from oral sex.) So this becomes very important when it comes time to disclose to future partners, to put the risk level into perspective. Right now, take it easy and give yourself time to heal. Surround yourself with supportive friends, and if you need, talk to a professional who can help you navigate through this tough time. Remember, you're strong and resilient. Just by coming here and sharing your story you're showing your courage. Though it may feel tough now, with support and self-compassion, things can and will get better. We're here for you, and together, we'll get through this. Sending you virtual hugs and support. Take care!

Hey there, I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've been facing with recurrent symptoms and negative test results. It can be incredibly frustrating when your experiences don't align with the test outcomes. I'm not a medical professional, but I can try to offer some insights and support. It's odd that the symptoms seem to be herpes, but you've continually gotten negative tests. A lot of herpes testing can sometimes yield false negatives, but Western Blot is the gold standard so I'm with Terri on trusting it, especially if you've gotten multiple WBs and swabs and they all say negative. In a situation like yours, it might be best to consult with an in-person healthcare professional who specializes in infectious diseases or sexual health. Have you done that yet? They can carefully evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and test results to provide a comprehensive assessment and potentially explore alternative explanations for your recurrent symptoms. In the meantime, managing stress, practicing self-care, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can potentially help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with your symptoms. Taking care of your overall well-being is crucial. I hope you find the answers and relief you're seeking. Keep pushing for answers, and know that you're not alone in your journey. Keep us updated on what you find!

This is common for even those in the medical profession being in a dark about a lot of this stuff, unfortunately. So it's not you, it's the system. PCR is preferred to a culture. It has a much higher sensitivity and it provides results much faster (less than 24 hours vs. about a week for culture). For example, in this study, culture missed half the cases (although it was a small study, but is a valuable data point): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6156304/ Also, it's important to note that sensitivity of the testing method decreases as the outbreak advances, lesions heal, and during subsequent occurrences.

I get how your head can be spinning from all this, but just take this one step at a time for now. Don't future-spiral! 🙂 Once you get a definitive result, then we can take it from there. To your question: For a PCR test for herpes, a doctor will swab or scrape a sample from a sore. The sample is then sent to a lab to look for genes from the herpes virus. The test can detect viral DNA and distinguish between HSV1, HSV2, and VZV. Results usually come back within 24 hours. The PCR test is the most commonly used test for herpes and is very accurate, almost 100% (if enough sample is swabbed to be detectable).

Hey there @Min64! First of all, kudos to you for reaching out and seeking clarity on this topic. It's important to have open discussions and make informed decisions about your sexual health. So, let's dive into your questions: 1. When it comes to having oral and/or intercourse with each other, the good news is that both of you already have genital HSV1 and the antibodies in your system. This means that the risk of reinfection or transmission between the two of you is quite low. However, it's still a good idea to avoid sexual contact during an actual outbreak. As @AlliKat12 mentioned, touching a sore and then touching other parts of your body can potentially spread the virus, especially within the first year of having herpes since your body hasn't had enough time to get it under control. So, a little break during an outbreak is a wise move. 2. As for oral sex, the risk of transmitting HSV1 to your mouths is generally minimal when you already have the same strain genitally. The presence of antibodies in your system offers some protection. However, it's important to note that there is still a very slight possibility of transmission, especially if either of you has an active outbreak. But ironically, since genital HSV-1 sheds way less than oral HSV-1, your risk of spreading it orally is much less than kissing someone with a history of cold sores (basically a euphemism for oral HSV-1). More data breakdown in the free handouts here: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook 3. Alongside the precautions mentioned, it's always helpful to maintain good overall health and manage stress levels. A healthy immune system can play a role in managing herpes and reducing the frequency of outbreaks. Additionally, open communication and ongoing support for each other are key. Remember, having a shared understanding of your diagnosis and supporting one another emotionally can make a significant difference in navigating this journey together. I hope this helps shed some light on your questions! And as always, keep in mind that everyone's experience with herpes can vary, so it's essential to listen to your bodies, stay informed, and adapt based on your unique circumstances. Wishing you both the best as you continue to explore your sex lives while being mindful of your health. You've got this!

Hi @worriedlily, I'm really glad you found your way here, and I want to assure you that you're in a safe and supportive space. We're all here to lend an ear and offer a virtual shoulder to lean on. I'm truly sorry for the loss of your pregnancy and the added weight of receiving a herpes diagnosis. It's a lot to process, and it's okay to feel a mix of emotions right now. Grief, confusion, and a sense of loss are all completely valid reactions. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. (After finding out about my herpes diagnosis, I also cried in the parking lot for a long time, in my mom's lap.) As for the timing of your symptoms and the possible transmission, herpes can be tricky and unpredictable. It's indeed possible for the virus to remain dormant for years and then decide to make a grand appearance. It's not an exact science, and the circumstances surrounding outbreaks can vary from person to person. Having open and honest communication with your partner is important, but I understand it might feel overwhelming at the moment. Take your time, and when you're ready, sharing your concerns and experiences can help both of you gain a better understanding of the situation. And thanks @AlliKat12 and @My_dog_is_hungry for sharing your story and support. Hearing from others who have walked a similar path can be comforting and reassuring. And yes, absolutely life with herpes is manageable, and while it may take time to adjust, many people find their way and live fulfilling lives. It also took me years from when I was first exposed to herpes (my then-girlfriend cheated on me and we had unprotected sex during her first outbreak) before I had my first official outbreak. I've also been in relationship with my wife for 6+ years and she remains herpes-free. You're part of a caring community now, filled with folks who are here to listen, share their insights, and provide comfort. Feel free to lean on us whenever you need. There's no pressure to have it all figured out right away. Healing, both physically and emotionally, takes time. Take care of yourself, my friend. You've already shown strength by reaching out and sharing your thoughts. Remember, we're here to support you every step of the way. Sending you a warm virtual hug and positive vibes. You got this.

Hey there, First of all, I want to acknowledge how challenging and overwhelming this whole situation must be for you. It's never easy when you're experiencing symptoms and trying to figure out what's going on. I'm not a medical professional, but I can offer some general insights and support. It sounds like you've been through quite the rollercoaster with various tests and potential diagnoses. Dealing with uncertainties can be frustrating, but hang in there, and hopefully, you'll get some clarity soon. While I can't provide a definitive diagnosis, I can offer a couple of thoughts. It's important to remember that symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone experiences the same level of pain or itching during a herpes outbreak. Additionally, herpes can present in different ways, and clusters of pustules are one possible manifestation. I understand that waiting for test results can be anxiety-inducing, but try to stay positive and patient until you can get the PCR test done on Monday. And you're right: Blood tests are only accurate a few months after an initial exposure, so PCR swab is going to be the best and most accurate thing to do in your case. In the meantime, take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and practicing good hygiene. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. It's great that you've reached out for support and shared your concerns here. Keep seeking guidance from healthcare professionals who can offer the appropriate tests and advice based on their expertise. Sending you positive vibes and wishing you a speedy resolution to this situation. Hang in there, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!

Welcome @laketodo! When it comes to shaving and its potential to trigger outbreaks, the concern primarily lies with non-herpes carriers who may create small tears or breaks in their skin during the shaving process. These breaks in the skin can provide an entry point for the herpes virus, increasing the risk of transmission. However, for individuals who are already HSV2 positive, it works a bit differently. The virus resides in the nerve pathways that connect to the surface of your skin. When an outbreak occurs, the virus travels along these pathways to either bring about an outbreak or asymptomatic viral shedding. Because of this, having cuts or abrasions on your skin doesn't give the virus better access to the surface or increase the likelihood of transmission to others. So, in your case, using that specific shaver that provides a close clip/trim shouldn't create tears in the skin that make it easier to transmit the virus to a negative person. As long as you're not experiencing an active outbreak, the risk of transmission remains low. It's worth noting that while shaving can sometimes trigger outbreaks for some individuals, it doesn't seem to be a concern with the trimmer you mentioned because it’s so gentle on your skin. However, it's always a good idea to pay attention to your skin's response and make sure to keep it well-moisturized and protected after shaving. In summary, for individuals who are already HSV2 positive, like yourself, the risk of transmission doesn't increase due to cuts or abrasions from shaving. Just be mindful of your skin's overall health and any potential triggers that may cause outbreaks. I hope this helps!

The reported sensitivity and specificity of herpes IgG tests can vary, and different studies yield different results. IgG tests is the industry standard blood test for herpes, but like you said, there are enough false positives and false negatives to not give a definitive enough answer. This is why I always suggest getting a Western Blot test, which is the gold standard and will give you unmatched accuracy. It costs a couple hundred bucks, but it's worth it for peace of mind and knowing for sure whether you have it or not. The only thing about blood tests that is important to know is that for them to be accurate, you need to wait 3-4 months (via the CDC) to give antibodies enough time to build to detectable levels (the exact time frame varies depending on where you look; Western Blot literature says 2 months). Even the best blood tests available do nothing for detecting recent infections.

It's hard to do visual examinations for you since we're not doctors and it's based on a photo, so take what we say with a grain of salt. With that said, herpes outbreaks are normally a cluster of blisters that does have sensation involved with it (itching, burning, pain, etc.) so my hunch is that isn't a herpes outbreak, but to be sure you'd need to see a doc and get it swabbed.

Hey there, @Yana234! 😊 When it comes to hair loss, it's important to remember that there can be several factors at play. And in your case, it sounds like you've been dealing with a lot lately – a new diagnosis, personal challenges, the loss of a dear friend, so much! It's no wonder you're trying to connect the dots and understand what's going on. Regarding Valtrex (valacyclovir) and its potential side effects, it's true that hair loss is not commonly reported as a side effect of the medication. However, individual experiences can vary, and there have been a few isolated cases where hair loss has been associated with the use of oral acyclovir, a similar antiviral medication. I came across an article from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) — "Alopecia Following Oral Acyclovir for the Treatment of Herpes Simplex Keratitis" — that discusses a case of acyclovir-induced alopecia (hair loss) in a patient being treated for herpetic keratouveitis. The patient's hair loss resolved completely after discontinuing oral acyclovir treatment. This case highlights the possibility of drug-induced alopecia, although it's important to note that it's considered a rare complication. If you suspect a connection between your hair loss and Valtrex, it would be best to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or your primary care doctor. They can provide a more accurate assessment based on your specific situation and medical history. In the meantime, let's focus on some good, old-fashioned self-care! Stress can definitely worsen hair loss, as @My_dog_is_hungrymentioned, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is crucial. How about incorporating activities like exercise, meditation, or indulging in hobbies that bring you joy? Taking care of your overall well-being, including maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle, can also help promote healthy hair growth (as well as healthy growth in general). 😉 Hang in there! You've got this, and we're here to support you every step of the way. 💪

I'm seeing the same thing in my research, too, that it "may increase your risk of developing herpes infection, for example shingles or cold sores." But of course, I'm no doctor, and since this is such a specific case, could you reach out to your doctor or RinvoQ directly to see what they say? It seems to work on your immune system in such a way that can make you more susceptible to develop infections, which I would also assume would increase herpes outbreaks since it's our immune systems that help keep future recurrent outbreaks at bay. I wonder if it’s something you could try to see how it affects you and if the negatives outweigh the positives that you could stop taking it with no drawbacks?

Hi @Yana234! If you've never had an oral HSV-1 outbreak (98-99% of all oral herpes is HSV-1) and your only site of infection with the virus is genital, then it will tend to stay in that zone. However, transferring HSV-1 from your genitals to your mouth is possible if you touch a genital outbreak then touch your mouth (since there's so much virus being shed during an outbreak; much less during asymptomatic viral shedding, so autoinoculation doesn't tend to happen unless you have a full outbreak), so just wash your hands after touching an active outbreak to avoid autoinoculation. FYI, the longer you have herpes, the less likely autoinoculation is because your own antibodies will inhibit such spread to other parts of your body. Other than autoinoculation, HSV-1 won't migrate on its own from genitals to mouth. Mainly because genital HSV lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) at the base of the spine while oral HSV lies dormant in the trigeminal ganglia near the base of the skull. So whether it's HSV-1 or HSV-2, it doesn't move up or down, respectively, without our "help" via autoinoculation. Does that help?

Hi @Yana234, welcome! As @AlliKat12 said, it's common to take 500mg of Valtrex twice a day for a few days as an episodic treatment. So, what you're doing right now sounds on track. And since we're not doctors, take this as peer-to-peer guidance that you can clarify with your doc when you find a good one. (And don't put up with anyone who gives you the least bit of shade or shame about having herpes; there are plenty of good docs out there who are totally understanding!) As for the topical acyclovir cream, it can be used as a secondary antiviral alongside oral medication if you think it's necessary. Some find it helpful in relieving symptoms, while others may not find it as effective. It's worth a try if you believe it could provide additional relief. A study named "Efficacy of topical acyclovir cream in first and recurrent episodes of genital herpes" says that topical acyclovir cream showed significant improvements for individuals experiencing both first episodes and recurrent episodes of genital herpes. In both cases, the duration of symptoms, time to healing of lesions, and formation of new lesions were reduced compared to the control groups.

I totally get your question! It's actually possible for some people with HSV2 to experience other symptoms without visible outbreaks. So, it's not uncommon to have symptoms like pain or discomfort during urination, frequent urination, or even flu-like symptoms without seeing any visible sores. But also remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors unrelated to herpes. To get a clear answer, it's best to consult a healthcare professional, especially a sexual health specialist. They can provide proper testing and guidance, taking into account your specific situation. (I don't know where you are in the world, but if you have a Planned Parenthood near you, they are top-notch when it comes to STI knowledge and care.) Self-diagnosing based on symptoms alone can be misleading and lead to unnecessary worry. Hang in there, and don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional who can provide accurate information and care tailored to your needs. You're taking the right steps by seeking answers and support. Take care and keep us posted!