Diagnosed a while back, but looking for support now

[concernedmom]

Hi all,

I was diagnosed back in 2000 but it's never really bothered me much until recently. My daughter is 1 and I'm terrified I'm going to pass this on to her. Both my husband and I have HSV-2 so we have a double shot at passing it on. I'm considering trying the suppressant therapy (even though I only usually get one or two outbreaks a year) just so I will feel safer around my daughter. I'm sure there are other parents in my situation, so if you've got any suggestions, please let me know!

[catiesmom]

I completely understand!

I was very recently diagnosed, but i have a 3 year old. I'm worried about it too, but i think taking certain precautions can really help. Passing genital herpes is not an easy thing to do (although the younger the child, the less tolerant their immune system is). I've decided to take some common-sense precautions, and improve our hygene. I have lysol wipes for the toilets, i wear pj bottoms to bed, i wash my hands CONSTANTLY, and i enjoy my daughter as much as possible.

There is no way you can completely safeguard your daughter, just as you could never completely safeguard your partner. There was someone complaining the other day because, as hard as she tries not to give it to her son, a relative kissed him with sores on her mouth! You just never know where it can come from. Even if your daughter gets it, it doesn't mean it was from you or your husband. Considering 50% of the population have HSV-1, it's not worth freaking out over.

As for therapy, i can't help but be suspicious of things the drug companies push, and a lot of people here seem to have had great results with more natural methods of controlling OBs, like herbs and vitamins. You might consider that instead. I don't think suppressant drug therapy is going to cut down your chances any more than natural methods of preventing OBs, but if it's your peace of mind, it's up to you. The fewer outbreaks you have (and the longer you go without one), the less chance you have of passing it on, although there is never NO chance.

Best of luck to you. I have 15 more years to worry about passing it on before my daughter and I are no longer sharing the same toilet, laying on the same bed, and living in the same house. Don't let it keep you up at night, just do the best you can and move on.