Dave

HSV-1 and HSV-2 can both be spread without and outbreak, via asymptomatic shedding. The risk is low, but still there.

There is no "cure" and hate it when people claim there is, natural or otherwise. Sadly some will immediately believe there is a cure, instead of educating themselves.

This virus has an unwarranted stigma associated with it. Every year 1000's die from the flu virus, no adult dies from HSV. There's a January 1, 2004 New England Journal of Medicine article that talks about once-daily use of Valacyclovir to reduce the risk of transmission. After reading it tried to get on a daily dosage but my doctor resisted (because I've never had symptoms that I've ever noticed), until I showed him this article.

Well, just remember that the people rejecting most likely have it themselves and don't know it. But either way, it's not a big deal and just an inconvenience. Keeping things in perspective, thousands die every year from the flu virus and no one freaks out over the flu. And 10's of thousands die in car accidents every year, yet we continue to drive without fear. So why should we fear what is basically a minor skin rash for many people? I've had it for at least over 20 years (maybe longer), and never knew because I never had an outbreak that I noticed. Sadly, the sigma is greater than the actual virus.

Anyone in the medical community that makes a statement like that, is someone you should run from. The ignorance from many working in that field astounds me.

I'd get a new doctor, if he didn't want to test you to know which HSV you have.

I don't think so, it's more for convenience and what your insurance will approve.

I have had HSV-2 or over 20 years (probably longer), didn't find out until 7 years ago. I've never had an outbreak, at least that I've noticed. So I have no idea when I contracted it. Was in a 20 year unprotected relationship and she never got it from me.

You don't know which HSV you have? But your guessing it's HSV-2, based on what? Go to a doctor and get tested. Unless you're tested, you don't know for sure what you have. However, back pain can come from a variety of conditions. Please go get medical advice from a doctor, not an online forum.

It depends on the State but it's a stupid law and a waste of our legal system, because there is no way to actually prove who you got HSV from. And the reality is, HSV-1 and HSV-2 aren't a big deal, they really aren't.

Never noticed a difference. Now after eating broccoli, asparagus or tuna, yes.

Are you completely sure this back to back outbreak is HSV? I've never heard of non-stop outbreaks. Usually the first year is the worst and then gets less frequent as time goes on.

Yet according to the article, they aren't 100% sure that's how this baby got it.

You're assuming the person, 1) Knew they had HSV-1, 2) Was having an outbreak, 3) Understood that a cold sore is HSV-1. But the fact is, even if you're not having an outbreak you can still pass HSV to someone else. Infants can die from being exposed to the Flu, yet people aren't condemning this whole anti-inoculation movement.

Here's the story, it's just as you said sensationalism that only creates an even bigger unwarranted stigma. https://people.com/health/mom-speaks-out-baby-herpes-from-stranger-kissing-her-on-lips/

I saw a story online from People Magazine by Maura Hohman dated Jan 24, 2019, about a 22 year old mother in England who's 1 year old daughter almost died of herpes and they think she got it from a stranger kissing her on the lips. The doctors said babies immune systems aren't strong enough to fight off the virus and she could have died if her condition had gone untreated much longer. They said the doctors go to her home to give her daily injections and she has to go to the hospital weekly for tests and treatment. She will also have her brain scanned for any damage, as a result of the herpes. As I read the story it felt like it was loaded with misinformation and almost seemed like it was meant to be a scare tactic. Has anyone else seen it and if so, what are your thoughts?

If you are having sexual relations, I would keep taking the medication even though you are not having any outbreaks. The science shows it reduces the chance of transmission from symptomatic shedding. But you're not having sex and not having outbreaks, then there is no need to take the medication.

If you're interested in this person for something long term, then disclose. If not, then let it go because the odds are low for transmission if you were not having an outbreak. It saddens me that you are riddled with guilt and shame, over a non issue virus. It's amazing how something so small can be so devastating to many. The Flu is much more deadly, yet we don't fear it like we do Herpes and that really is insane.

See though you DO know where you have it. Hsv 2 is not hsv1. Its pretty much always in the genitals. Pretty much, doesn't mean always. So I'm not 100% sure I have HSV2 in the genitals. Either way since it is so common, I still don't agree with disclosure because the fear of disclosing can be heartbreaking. Just like how some doctors told patients they have shingles, when in fact they have HSV. They didn't tell them because they didn't want the stigma to injure their patient.

I recently watched an episode of the new TV show The Ranch, starring Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Debra Winger and Sam Elliott. I was disappointed when Kutcher and Masterson made a Herpes joke between them, that seemed to go on forever. I'm really getting sick of Hollywood's insensitive nature and it makes me sad that these actors would read such lines. Don't they understand that they are just encouraging ignorance about Herpes? So yeah, I won't be watching that show anymore.

sometimes I truly feel hsv is blown out of proportion Sometimes? No, it's definitely blown way out of proportion! It's an unwarranted stigma, designed a long time ago by the pharmaceutical companies. HSV really isn't a big deal.

I find it interesting that your sister, being a deeply religious person would call you disgusting. I thought tolerance and compassion were part of being religious. The stigma associated with HSV is so unwarranted and really angers me. It's as if we aren't living in the 12st Century.

The thing is SPATX919, HSV really is not a big deal. Yes there is stigma, but it's unwarranted and this needs to change with education. "By not disclosing, you're taking a gamble", a gamble of what....a non issue virus? Again, the flu virus kills thousands every year, HSV does not. The stigma associated with HSV is based on misinformation and all in our head. But if you think everyone should disclose, then should we also be asking anyone we kiss if they have been tested for HSV? And if not, shouldn't we ask them to get tested before kissing them? Wouldn't that be just as responsible. Because we really would have to assume everyone has HSV until proven otherwise. So you see to me that just seem ludicrous and unnecessary. But with that said, all this only applies when one doesn't have an active outbreak. And one more thing, talking about taking away a partner's choice. If this was such a concern then why doesn't the medical community routinely include HSV testing with annual physical exams? Mine was not included until I specifically asked for the test.