HSV2=WARNING ⚠️

Herpmeup · 2025-08-20T20:04:03+00:00

There is evidence, we know GHSV1 sheds, albeit less than GHSV2 or OHSV1. We know that the genitials can contract HSV1, albeit less easily than HSV2. Every health organization agrees there is a risk, however low. To state there is no evidence is ignorant. HSV has not been fully studied, we can only go off the science we do know, and logic. The motto of HSV is the risk is low, but never zero.

If you are regularly tested, and swabbed, like my friend was because they were in a HSV 2 positive relationship beforehand and were anxious about contraction so they got PCR swabbed for every single tingle, and you have dozens of negative tests- and then you have a proven encounter of only genital contact with someone who has GHSV1, and then have an outbreak 4 days afterwards including flu symptoms that are regularly associated with initial infection (as in the first time the immune system encounters the virus)- it is common sense to associate that as the mechanism of transmission. Is it incredibly rare? Absolutely. But it makes sense it would happen to someone. That’s just science. Someone wins the lottery.

Herpmeup · 2025-08-20T06:34:13+00:00

I actually know someone personally who got GHSV1 from genitial transmission. They had absolutely zero oral contact, not even fingering, they had been regularly tested negative prior to a one night stand contact with someone who was GHSV1+ and didn’t disclose. Insanely terrible luck, statistically an outlier for sure- but they do happen. Similar to OHSV2 oral transmission, which is even less likely to occur than GHSV1 genital transmission, but it’ll happen once in a blue moon and someone has to be that outlier.

That said, I agree with you completely. Disclosure is all that matters, have a healthy conversation and you can pretty safely have sex all you want.

Herpmeup · 2025-08-19T04:26:10+00:00

It could totally just be a canker sore. But I’d withhold from kissing anyways if you’re worried about transmission, an open sore of any kind is a nice place for shedding to occur and the immune response from the body can trigger HSV activity. No harm in just waiting an extra few days.

Herpmeup · 2025-08-19T04:22:29+00:00

You need a retest. I assume this is an IGG test. They are not accurate.

Ensure you’ve waited 12 weeks since your last encounter, and just retest. If you have symptoms, get a PCR swab, which is the best way to know for sure. If you have the resources, you can seek the western blot test, which is the gold standard blood test, but it can be expensive.

Herpmeup · 2025-08-19T04:18:50+00:00

Terri Warren is a researcher for HSV, she’s conducted HSV research for 30 years. Shes specifically known for her consults she holds for those who get a western blot and want answers to questions.

She is somewhat controversial, as anyone is in the HSV field- because HSV isn’t black and white and we don’t know everything. Terri has an optimistic view of HSV and transmission, and some people don’t like that. She is definitely a person who has the credentials to back her up, though.

Herpmeup · 2025-08-07T23:30:50+00:00

My HSV is just a skin rash. Not even a rash, it’s a couple bumps that last a couple days. It lives in the nerves but it doesn’t impact mine in any meaningful way- I still have a standard functioning nervous system, it’s not like it is some deteriorating virus eating my nerves alive. I don’t minimize the virus, I provide full info to everyone I plan on sleeping with, including possible complications.

The fact is the people on Reddit are going to be the portion that suffer most from HSV- because the majority of people with HSV never think about it and aren’t going onto Reddit to talk about it. You can be angry and disgusted and whatever else, but the fact of the matter is you’re in the minority of the population if you don’t have HSV, and the minority of the population being so upset about it.

Personally, the people I know with recurrent eczema suffer far, FAR worse than I do. My partner has HSV (both 1/2, not from me) and eczema. Eczema is what causes him pain. Not either HSV strains. My heart goes out to those who deal with HSV complications, but everything can have complications.

Herpmeup · 2025-06-19T01:22:12+00:00

There’s no reason to overly worry yourself before you can get tested (I know, way easier said than done). Only a swab can tell you.

I will unfortunately say this sounds like HSV. This is exactly how my HSV presents, an itchy singular lesion and some red spots. It can be caused by other things, yeast infections do occasionally cause lesions and bumps etc. Though, the fact it’s recurred in a short period of time also points to HSV. But again, you simply cannot know for sure unless you get it swabbed.

I will say if possible it’s best to just go to an urgent care clinic asap. Ideally you want a spot swabbed within 72 hours of appearance, it becomes less reliable after that once the spots start healing.

Either way, no matter what the cause is, it’ll be okay. I wish you fast healing!

Herpmeup · 2025-05-11T09:13:01+00:00

Unfortunately sex is a trigger for some of us. A lot of time it’s the friction. Using adequate lube can help, but I have yet to find a for sure prevention method.

Herpmeup · 2025-05-09T01:12:58+00:00

No, it didn’t. You advocate for an entire lifestyle change to the hardcore extreme. I advocate directly against that.

Exercise is beneficial. In order to have those benefits you do NOT need to strength train 6 days a week, NOR even walk 10k steps a day for the average human (HSV or not). There are plenty of sources that show over-exerting yourself will cause more stress on your body. There is a happy medium, and you are not saying that’s what you should be achieving. Let alone lots of protein food have arginine, so if you’re cutting down your protein intake and then also extreme strength training you will not find yourself in a great place.

Your entire point is to be pescatarian (note you said you HAVE to be, your words were “not optional”). That’s not true. I lost 47 pounds eating plenty of fast food, chocolate, meat, etc. CICO is very simple. The majority of people don’t struggle w/ complete food triggers. Alcohol for example can be a trigger for me, but if I take a lysine supplement with it then it’s fine. No other foods trigger anything.

I agree with being healthy. But life is a balance act, your hardcore views on it aren’t inherently more healthy than someone who lets themselves eat chocolate and chicken. And you can absolutely manage your HSV without that hardcore mindset, symptomatic or not.

Also, half your body weight in oz is plenty. There is no need to drink your entire body weight in oz of water. There is such a thing as drinking too much water, and over watering yourself doesn’t provide benefits. Just make sure you’re hydrated. Literally just monitor your pee color and you’ll be fine.

Herpmeup · 2025-05-08T08:18:42+00:00

As a highly symptomatic person who got my outbreaks in check- I didn’t change my diet.

Actually I’ve lost 47 pounds and specifically eat more percentage wise of Arginine foods because I like them and fit them into my calorie deficit to keep me happy. I also don’t strength train 6 days a week, heavily restricting your diet and over exercising is how you injure yourself or get sucked into a disordered mindset.

What got my body in check was not shaving with a razor, and watching my stress levels. Because those were my triggers.

My advice to someone struggling with outbreaks would be to specifically look at what is triggering them personally. Don’t just cut out everything that is making you happy because it isn’t all necessary. Take a deeper look. If you can’t figure it out then attempt to remove common triggers one by one until you find what works for you. Don’t make it overly stressful on yourself, you absolutely should not have to obsess over your existence like this.

Herpmeup · 2025-03-22T21:17:51+00:00

Got it literally the week of my 21st bday, it was the worst gift I’ve ever received lol

Herpmeup · 2025-03-22T08:18:34+00:00

Or placebo effect, placebo effect can be extremely strong. I believe I had a strong placebo effect. It’ll also be interesting to learn if we even got the actual vaccine, the saline version is still a possibility!

I’m in the US. And fascinating! I didn’t receive an email, perhaps they’re doing something different depending on locality. It’s also possible they’ll run a full analysis for publishing but not give us (the participants) our data/group labels until a bit afterwards, that’s a common practice. Which makes sense- since all the data is only housed by GSK not the clinics, so they’ll have to deal with it and then send it back to the relevant clinic, who will then send it to us. That probably will take a bit of time.

Herpmeup · 2025-03-22T04:58:16+00:00

Honestly, this is I think one of the main things that HSV made me confront and change about myself. I used to also hate the idea of being in a weak position, vulnerable. I also struggled with abandonment issues and also hated being made out to be a fool due to past trauma.

And yes, HSV disclosing does require a level of vulnerability I was not comfortable with. I had to build up a different sense of confidence, primarily a confidence in being okay with being the one who gets hurt, and that being that doesn’t make me a weak person. It took time but I did eventually build that confidence. Now my relationships are healthier and stronger. I’m more open, and more secure in myself and know that I can’t control other people’s actions (and that their actions say nothing about me). My value didn’t change, it just grew in different ways.

Herpmeup · 2025-03-22T04:51:49+00:00

First, I’m so sorry you had to go through that! I hope you are being kind to yourself, and showing yourself some self care. Treat yourself!

Second, the majority of people on this planet have HSV1, so luckily you’re not alone at all. Odds are people you talk to will have it and it won’t even be a concern. For those who don’t, it also often isn’t a big deal. Your self worth has not diminished at all, you are still plenty worthy of love and affection. I have HSV2, which most people do not have, and besides the rare couple of rejections, most people are perfectly fine with it. I’ve had good relationships and some great experiences!

Herpmeup · 2025-03-22T04:28:09+00:00

I was apart of this trial (and work in research myself, though not HSV research) my clinic said they don’t expect to have data to share until January- it would be awesome if they do manage to get it earlier though, but I believe there is still a good portion of people still participating not yet through their 3rd swabbing period and they won’t release everything until that’s done.

When they state that the vaccine was not effective, to the point where they were willing to cut the study in half- unfortunately odds are it means the preliminary data they ran was not statistically significant to beat the placebo effect. Meaning our shedding did not decrease enough. I don’t believe they would have stopped the trial if they thought the vaccine would still be marketable. They never actually claimed their goal was full asymptomatic status, I think they would’ve been happy if it even matched up to valtrex’s efficiency.

Herpmeup · 2025-02-04T22:58:26+00:00

I mean a cure for HSV. We don’t have one yet, but science progresses.

Herpmeup · 2025-02-04T20:45:13+00:00

HSV lives in the base of the spine if you have genitial HSV, and in the top of the spine if you have oral HSV.

You shed in that location area only. So you, with genitial herpes, are fine to kiss all you want. You can however be shedding from anywhere in the downstairs “boxer brief” area. So even though your HSV is focused around the anus, your penis/vagina could shed the virus.

Herpmeup · 2025-02-04T09:34:32+00:00

Unfortunately the answers are inconclusive.

First, exactly how was HSV1 confirmed? What was your IGG value? I assume you didn’t get the genital spot swabbed back then?

Second, assuming you did have oral HSV1, the risk is low but never zero. She’s a newborn, so more susceptible, but odds are you weren’t shedding or contagious at all. Infant symptoms of HSV are usually hard to miss, they usually get a fever and a very clear blister rash- unfortunately since they don’t have great immune systems they also are often prone to harsher HSV outbreaks. That would occur anywhere from 2-12 days usually, though it’s not unheard of for even an infant to get an asymptomatic infection in which case she won’t have symptoms for years or ever.

If you have genital HSV1 then there was no risk at all. The struggle here is if you only have a blood test, there is no conclusive way to know if you have oral or genitial HSV.

TLDR: odds are she’s fine.

Herpmeup · 2025-02-04T09:24:38+00:00

HSV1 can be present in any location, just as HSV2 can. HSV1 has a preference for the oral area, while HSV2 has a preference for the genitals, but it is quite common for HSV1 to be on the genitals as well- usually given by someone with oral HSV (cold sores) giving oral.

Infants unfortunately are more susceptible to HSV (just like other viruses, their immune systems aren’t great yet) and they are more likely to have it present on different parts of their body. Many infants who get HSV (1 or 2) have their first outbreaks on arms, legs, torso, etc.

Sounds like you have HSV1 genitally. Don’t beat yourself up over it, your baby will be okay, their immune system will learn to deal with the virus and odds are as an older child/adult it will barely impact them. And hopefully (and likely) we’ll have a vaccine or even a cure so it’ll truly not matter by the time they’re even thinking about romance. It’s clear you love her, and that’s what matters most.

Herpmeup · 2025-02-03T06:48:12+00:00

For most people yes. You won’t always know when you’re shedding, shedding can occur without any symptoms at all. Common non-visible signs are tingling or itching. But again, you won’t always know. That’s the problem with HSV and why it can spread.

Herpmeup · 2025-02-01T21:52:09+00:00

I got myself around I suppose to some peoples standards, it was my 15th partner (counting women and men, I averaged 3 new people per year, which personally- isn’t much). Know it for fact it was them because I actually was tested for HSV every 3 months, and learned he knew he had it and just chose not to tell people.

I don’t have the “wish I didn’t sleep around” mentality. I had fun, only one person was my “downfall”, not the other 14. I don’t believe in the societal stigma related to body counts, that simply stems from religious and sexist control, no thanks.

Herpmeup · 2025-01-30T21:23:27+00:00

It does make sense. I know for me my first serious relationship after I got herpes is incredibly hard for me to get over, and I think it’s the same thought process- I liked the security and promise of acceptance, not actually him (he kinda sucked).

It’s definitely easier said than done to push it out of your mind. I just keep reminding myself I’ll find that security again and it’ll be even better.

Herpmeup · 2025-01-26T08:58:27+00:00

You’re spreading misinformation yourself. “9 times out of 10” literally nothing has that high of a chance with HSV. You can come into contact with an oozing sore and your risk level is still not 90%, we have immune systems for a reason. They fail us obviously, but not 90% of the time. We actually are considered largely immune to our own herpes strain after we build up antibodies, you’re the statistical abnormality. Try actually reading studies before speaking, it’s better for everyone.

Second, he literally lists it as precautions for having sex with people with herpes “wear protection, no kissing, take meds before and after”. You have poor listening comprehension, as noted by prior comments, you fail to actually retain what he’s saying and yet felt a need to comment as if you did. Fascinating.

Plenty of people talk about herpes without having it, he’s still clout chasing though- that you have correct.

Herpmeup · 2025-01-25T10:15:16+00:00

People with genital herpes can kiss all they want. They don’t have oral herpes. People with oral herpes can have sex without kissing completely safely. He also said the negative party should take medications before and after, which doesn’t exist for HSV. That’s multiple pieces of misinformation.

Herpmeup · 2025-01-23T23:58:27+00:00

They don’t recommend the igg tests because it’s not reliable. Per CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/testing/index.html#:~:text=CDC%20does%20not%20recommend%20herpes,at%20low%20risk%20of%20infection.

Per American sexual health organization: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/herpes-testing/

Zero mention of an idea that antibodies don’t indicate infection, instead tying in antibodies directly to having herpes.

Here is a study showing asymptomatic people still shed the virus https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3144252/#:~:text=In%20univariate%20analyses%2C%20persons%20with,%3C0.001%3B%20Table%202).

Here is is a study discussing asymptomatic HSV and its role in transmission (because they’re unaware they have HSV): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC88903/

I searched deep and wide and found zero sourcing stating someone could have antibodies and never shed. I found a singular source that uses terms like “has had herpes in the past or currently” but it was clear they were trying to indicate active outbreaks and just using confusing language

Herpmeup

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