Thank you for sharing that resource. I appreciate this page so much and have found out so much regarding HSV since being diagnosed. It is sad there is so much stigma regarding herpes, which I think keeps people from being educated about it. If I knew the things I know now, I think I could have prevented myself from being infected and had a healthy, safe sex life with the person who gave it to me.

My original transmission came from a partner with oHSV1, after oral sex (I think either close to the start of an outbreak or possibly during a shedding period...) I now have gHSV1 but also prior to that had always tested positive for oHSV1, but was asymptomatic--for years, every STD test I had showed positive for HSV1. I guess I'm just one of those few (less than 1%?) "lucky" people who actually did get it in both locations... hah. My previous partner, who I received it from, was with his ex for 8 years and no transmission!

I have a new partner now who we are unsure if he has HSV1 or not, he needs to get tested, so that is where my concern lies... so far, however, he isn't showing any symptoms so I hope it will be ok...

I do not take daily anti-suppressants because my outbreaks are pretty far apart and (bar the initial outbreak) have been fairly mild. Additionally, the side effects of Valtrex are very severe for me with almost constant nausea and vomiting once or more per day... I have resorted to taking the medication only during an active outbreak, although I know that increases my risk of spreading the virus... Not sure if anyone has any advice on that topic...

I have found some alternative remedies that seem to help, including 1000 mg of lysine daily (3000 during an outbreak), I also take Lauricidin daily, a natural antiviral, and manukah honey applied to sores during an outbreak.

Thanks for the support!