HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Is HSV 1 Infection Transmitted?

default
Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014
Question: I acquired HSV 1 genitally in 1984. I've had maybe two outbreaks after the initial one, the last of which was over 15 years ago. I've always been forthcoming with partners. My current boyfriend and I have been together for over 7 months. This is a major sticking point in our relationship. No matter how hard I've tried I haven't been able to explain to him the transmission differences between genital HSV I and HSV II. I've printed articles, tried to explain it to him, he can't get past the stigma and doesn't understand the difference. I'm a nurse anesthetist and he's a lawyer so I don't really understand why it's been so difficult to get this across to him. He also gets oral cold sores and I understand this further lessens the possibility for transmission. Maybe you can help me clarify this for him.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
HSV 2 is STD. HSV 1 is non-STD.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.


HSV infection can manifest a recurrence even after a long gap of years.

HSV 1 infection usually transmitted through non-sexual route and have the manifestations in and around the mouth and nose mostly. It can be transmitted through kissing to the other partner. Similarly it is likely to manifest over genitals through oral sex, if there is viral shedding or any fresh lesion.
HSV 2 infection is an essentially a Sexually transmitted disease and the manifestations very much confined to in and around ano-genital area. It would unlikely to manifest anywhere in the body other than an0-genital region.
Dr S.Murugan.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan

HIV AIDS Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 3108 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Is HSV 1 Infection Transmitted?

Brief Answer: HSV 2 is STD. HSV 1 is non-STD. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HCM. HSV infection can manifest a recurrence even after a long gap of years. HSV 1 infection usually transmitted through non-sexual route and have the manifestations in and around the mouth and nose mostly. It can be transmitted through kissing to the other partner. Similarly it is likely to manifest over genitals through oral sex, if there is viral shedding or any fresh lesion. HSV 2 infection is an essentially a Sexually transmitted disease and the manifestations very much confined to in and around ano-genital area. It would unlikely to manifest anywhere in the body other than an0-genital region. Dr S.Murugan.