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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Symptoms Of HSV-1?

I was recently diagnosed with HSV-1. However, I am asymptomatic. Therefor, I am unsure of where the virus is active, genitals or orally. Is there a way to know where I am infected, seeing as no lesions have been present? Also, how would I know if I am shedding the virus without lesions?
posted on Thu, 13 Feb 2014
Twitter Fri, 14 Feb 2014 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 14 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Thanks for posting on HCM,

Most at times, Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV) infection presents with no symptoms as in your case and may remain so for a very long time.
It usually manifests more often in a state of immunodepression of the host.
If symptomatic, you will develop cold sores.
However, it is a very contagious sexually transmitted infection and unfortunately you might not be able to tell when you are transmitting or not.
Medications can reduce the duration and frequency of herpes outbreaks. They can also help reduce the risk of HSV type 1 transmission to a susceptible partner. These medications are mostly antivirals such as acyclovir (prescription only drug)
However, in most of my patients, I usually just do watchful waiting and do not encourage taking pills for preventive purposes.

hope this helps
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What Are The Symptoms Of HSV-1?

Hello, Thanks for posting on HCM, Most at times, Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV) infection presents with no symptoms as in your case and may remain so for a very long time. It usually manifests more often in a state of immunodepression of the host. If symptomatic, you will develop cold sores. However, it is a very contagious sexually transmitted infection and unfortunately you might not be able to tell when you are transmitting or not. Medications can reduce the duration and frequency of herpes outbreaks. They can also help reduce the risk of HSV type 1 transmission to a susceptible partner. These medications are mostly antivirals such as acyclovir (prescription only drug) However, in most of my patients, I usually just do watchful waiting and do not encourage taking pills for preventive purposes. hope this helps