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I Have Two Cold Sores On My Face. I Had
Brief Answer:
regarding herpes simplex virus
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through the query and I have viewed the Image
Herpes simplex virus is transmitted by direct contact e.g kissing/ oral sex, not only during outbreaks, but also during asymptomatic phases -when there are no visible lesions - though at a much lower rate, than when there are active lesions of herpes. The rate of infection also depends on other factors like in your case since you were already on antivirals, so there is a much less likelihood of transmitting the virus. However, if you and your boyfriend have been sexually active prior to this, then it is also possible that he has already got the infection from you Or may be from someone else, if he has had other partners in the past. Hence it is very difficult to know the risk from a single act of intimacy and since most of the time the infection is clinically silent i.e not everyone develops cold sores right after getting infected. Some may stay dormant for months or years. In case he develops sores on the area around his mouth or genitals, then it is likely that he got infected. Else he may take a blood test for HSV, a few weeks down the line, to look for serological evidence of infection
Take care. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
regarding herpes simplex virus
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through the query and I have viewed the Image
Herpes simplex virus is transmitted by direct contact e.g kissing/ oral sex, not only during outbreaks, but also during asymptomatic phases -when there are no visible lesions - though at a much lower rate, than when there are active lesions of herpes. The rate of infection also depends on other factors like in your case since you were already on antivirals, so there is a much less likelihood of transmitting the virus. However, if you and your boyfriend have been sexually active prior to this, then it is also possible that he has already got the infection from you Or may be from someone else, if he has had other partners in the past. Hence it is very difficult to know the risk from a single act of intimacy and since most of the time the infection is clinically silent i.e not everyone develops cold sores right after getting infected. Some may stay dormant for months or years. In case he develops sores on the area around his mouth or genitals, then it is likely that he got infected. Else he may take a blood test for HSV, a few weeks down the line, to look for serological evidence of infection
Take care. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
When you say low is it less than 5%, as an estimate? Or even lower? I am just worried for him and the foolishness of our actions. He has an active past so I’m guess he could have been exposed to them before. But this was direct contact. I also really appreciate your professionalism and advice!
Brief Answer:
Regarding HSV transmission
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
The rate of transmission with no protection is 4%, it is 2% with a condom and 1% for couples who use both condom and antivirals. These are for HSV 2. So you can assume the same or even fewer rates for HSV 1.
Take care
Regarding HSV transmission
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
The rate of transmission with no protection is 4%, it is 2% with a condom and 1% for couples who use both condom and antivirals. These are for HSV 2. So you can assume the same or even fewer rates for HSV 1.
Take care
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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