Hi,
Thank you for offering to take questions. There is so much information out there on this and while most is the same, sometimes it's hard to find exactly what I want to know. If one has hsv2 by the rectum (primary location) and has never had any symptoms/lesions anywhere else, are prodromes in that area a sign the virus is active on the surface of the skin, even though there is no sore? Would prodromes be just as contagious as if there was an open sore? I read somewhere that the virus can never go to another area of the genitals after the primary location is established, as antibodies prevent it from spreading further, , so this would mean it cannot spread on the vagina, labia, etc. That said, if prodromes occur at the rectum area, are the odds of transmital are as high as if there was an open sore if penile contact occurred? These prodromes never progress to blisters or sores.
Also, I downloaded the fact sheet from here (helpful!) and it says transmittal can only occur when the contagious area comes into contact with mucous membrane or crack of the skin. Does this mean it's only if a penis were to make contact with the area around the rectum when prodrome exists that there is a chance of transmittal? (i.e. vaginal penetration would be ok as there would be no penile contact with the rectum?).
Also, when one has viral shedding, which I realize can occur at any time with no symptoms, , is it just in the area where the primary sore was? Or is it in your entire genital region?
The only lesions/sores were during the primary outbreak and daily suppressants are not being taken.