Is autoinnoculation possible with a very old oral hsv 1 infection? Worried.

[pecan]

Hi all, I am having some trouble downstairs and kind of upset because I have had two oral cold sores in a row and still presently have them. I am very, very fastidious about washing my hands all the time when I have a cold sore however this time, I did not wash one time, literally one time before masturabting a day or two ago.

I did not want to get up so I just did as I wanted to. But I am pretty sure I wasn't touching my mouth before hand- yet this was a just a couple days ago and I have now an angry looking rather troublesome spot down below, around the mouth of my vagina. Angry purple looking spot/area and some redness and raised areas I think, but very hard to tell. I notice it but it is not painful per say.

I have not had sex with anyone in a year sand a half and they tested negative for hsv 1 and 2- and I have always, always tested positive for type one and negatve for type 2. I was even tested again 8 or 9 months later after we slept together, and the same results as alwasy- negatvie for hsv2 and positive for hsv1.

 

I have spoken at great, and I mean great length with the very kind folks at the University of Washington over this last year for another reason concerning Western Blot status on another matter. That being said, my understanding is that pertaining to the innaccuracy of the tests, it is more so that a larger percent of hsv 1 infections go undetected but that for hsv2 this is less so- and that a negative result for hsv2 can be considered quite accurate as long as the window period has passed.

That being said, it woulkd then not make a lot of sense if I am now experiencing an hsv2 outbreak and I have to wonder is this an hsv1 outbreak genitally autoinnoculated?

However, I have had oral outbreaks of hsv1 for decades, Is it really possible that such an old infection can be transferred by myself to genitals? My understanding is this is sonething that can happen earlier on and more so a newer infection.

Of course I am trying to see my gyne asap. However in the meantime what can you tell me.

 

[mr_hopp]

Hey @pecan,

First, try not to panic! Autoinoculation (transferring the virus to a new site on your body) is extremely unlikely with an older, well-established HSV-1 infection like yours. After years of having the virus, your immune system has built up enough antibodies that generally prevent it from spreading elsewhere, even if hygiene isn’t perfect one time. It’s much more common in newer infections, as you know.

That said, it’s great that you’re planning to see your gynecologist. They’ll be able to confirm what’s going on. In the meantime, try to stay calm and remember that your body’s got this — it’s been handling HSV-1 like a pro for decades. If it does turn out to be an irritation or something unrelated, you’ll have peace of mind. You’re taking all the right steps, and keep us in the loop!

[pecan]

Well, it's as I thought. They do not know at the doctors. They swabbed it but since it does not look like "typical" herpes they do not know if they got enough virsu to test positive in the event it is actually an outbreak of hsv1. It does not itch or sting I can say that much.