Hello,

Thanks for writing in.

I will answer your questions one by one.

1. Herpes is contagious. Once you acquire the infection it remains with you for the rest of your life. There may be recurrences. The chances of infecting your wife are highest when you have visible herpes lesions on the penis. If the infection is dormant the chances of infecting your partner is very very less. However, there still is a theoretical possibility of transmitting the infection even when the lesions are not visible. So it is advisable to always use a condom (expt when you are planning family). There is no risk of transmission without sexual contact. The herpes which infects the oral mucosa is different. There is no risk of transmission to children or other people you do not have a sexual relation with.

2. The medicines are only taken if there is an active infection i.e. the lesions are present. There is no course as such. In case the recurrences are too frequent (more than 6 episodes in an year ) then, suppressive therapy is given for 4-6 months.

3. You will have a tingling and burning on the penis, before the lesions start. Then you will get small red blisters. This is how outbreaks develop.

4. There is no particular diet for herpes.

5. You may safely kiss and play with children. No risk of transmission.

I hope I have answered your queries.

If you have any other question, please do not hesitate to ask me,

Thanks

---

Genital herpes is caused by HSV-2..this virus is transmitted only sexually.
The herpes virus which is transmitted by touch or kiss is HSV-1. It does not cause genital herpes.

For planning children, ofcourse you will have unprotected sex. But you shouldnt do it at a time when you have active herpes.

when you dont have active lesions the chance of transmitting infection is very very less. But there is a small risk that you and your wife will have to take.

but before all this, be sure that you have herpes only.. You may get Herpes serology test done at a lab. Request your doctor for that.

Thanks

---