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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Long Post Having Sex With A Person With Genital Herpes Can One Get Infected?

I had sex with someone who has genital herpes about 6 weeks ago. It was a completely informed decision based on information she gave me about transmission rates, etc. I have not been tested yet because I know the antibodies take about 3-months to form for a positive blood test. I am however immune comprised. I take a chemotherapy twice a day known as Nexavar. I have shown no symptoms of an outbreak after this long. Wouldn t symptoms occur much faster in an immune compromised person? Is this a good sign that I haven t contracted the virus?
Fri, 28 Aug 2020
Report Abuse
Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

No, antibodies would be likely to be there by ONE month at the latest. Yes, symptoms would occur sooner and more often in someone with a lowered immunity. BUT infection is not 100%. There are not good estimates. Furthermore, a lot of infections don't show up with the classic big primary symptoms but MAY still be contagious with asymptomatic shedding and MAY give symptomatic infection any time later.

The best would be to get serology profile (what type one is immune to) and how much antibody a day after exposure and then repeat a month later. If there is ZERO change, then probably NOT infected.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
How Long Post Having Sex With A Person With Genital Herpes Can One Get Infected?

Hi, No, antibodies would be likely to be there by ONE month at the latest. Yes, symptoms would occur sooner and more often in someone with a lowered immunity. BUT infection is not 100%. There are not good estimates. Furthermore, a lot of infections don t show up with the classic big primary symptoms but MAY still be contagious with asymptomatic shedding and MAY give symptomatic infection any time later. The best would be to get serology profile (what type one is immune to) and how much antibody a day after exposure and then repeat a month later. If there is ZERO change, then probably NOT infected. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist