HSV-1 Do you need to do anything if there is no outbreaks

[BiteHerpes]

Hi,

I was just diagnosed with HSV-1. The only reason that I took a test was because my girlfriend wanted to make sure that I do not have any STDs. I was sure that I do not but I was wrong. Well, now I am single again. I researched a lot on the web but still not sure what to do in my case.

I believe I do not have any outbreaks except sometimes (1-2 times a year) my lips get little dry and I might have a little 1 or 2 small sores for 3-4 days but nothing like I saw on some of the pictures. I take a lot of different supplements for a long time now and maybe that was helping or maybe I just have what is called Asymptomatic Shedding or maybe both.

My questions are:

1. Do you need to do anything if for now you do not have any physical discomfort from having HSV-1 (except it sucks to be single)?

2. Is there any way for me at all to know when I am shedding (maybe some quick tests that can be done at home)?

I will appreciate every bit of information I can get even if it only remotely answers my questions.

Thank you.

[coolmel12]

Since you seem to have been dealing with this for many years, you know what it feels like when a cold sore starts to form. That tingling itch. Is there anytime you specifically get them (like i get them when I'm sick at all)? No, if you are not experiencing any discomfort there is no need for medication. Most people have this strand of virus in there blood. This is not at all abnormal and you can get it when you are very young from kissing relatives and such. However, you know what it feels like before you get a blister on your lips, be VERY careful not to give oral sex during that time. HSV1 can break out on the genitals and is not uncommon. However if this is transferred the genitals the first outbreak is usually fairly severe and it happens rarely again (all this pending on the body of the person infected). However as soon as you feel that itch refrain from kissing anyone or performing oral sex.

[BiteHerpes]

Re: Do you need to do anything if there is no outbreaks

Thank you for the reply coolmel12. I guess I can recognize the symptoms but I am not sure because basically all I get 99% of the time is just dry lips. I guess I should stop complaining because after all I was reading on this web site - I am not having it as bad as everybody else. I just do not know what to do now - tell everybody that I start dating that I have HSV - 1 or just be careful about outbreaks. Life was never simple for me but now it's just got so much more complicated. Yes, statistically most of the people have Herpes but I still feel like outcast now.

[coolmel12]

Well most people really do have cold sores, and most of society forgets taht they link back to herpes at all. Yes you will feel this way for awhile but this will pass. Your dry lips could not even be symptoms of herpes, they infact could just be dry lips, you never know, just be careful is all the advice I can give you.

[Pollyanna]

I really wouldn't worry about a few cold sores!

Apparently 70% of the population carry HSV1 and have outbreaks in that form, so you're really one of the majority!

HOWEVER... I got genital HSV1 from someone who had a cold sore so do be careful about oral sex when you have an outbreak. You don't have to say anything to a prospective partner about the fact you've had cold sores, just be sure to point out that they might not want you to come close WHEN you do have a sore.

Anyone who gets upset about you having (had) cold sores really isn't worth bothering about

All the best.