Being affectionate with loved ones a risk?

[Rose2]

I'm new to all of this and have been on an emotional roller coaster since my doctor told me she thinks I have genital herpes yesterday. I go from sadness, anger, fear, anxiety and other range of emotions throughtout the day. Feeling really alone. Still waiting on the lab results.

All I can think of is how not to infect any of my loved ones especially the little ones. I have 2 young nieces who I love to smother with hugs and kisses but now I fear even touching them. I also think about my future children and how I will show them affection and express my love for them. I come from a very affectionate family and this is really tearing me apart. Any advice on this would be very helpful. 

[Lisajd]

 Hello and welcome to the site when you get your test results please ensure that they have typed it to determine if it is type 1 or 2 because this is important.  What you are going through is what everyone goes through at the moment but the best thing that can help you with that is to educate yourself about the virus see you understand what you dealing with and you will see that having genital herpes you can affect anybody other than someone you are having a sexual relationship with.  So kissing and hugging your nieces is not a problem.  It is only Through skin to skin contact with in the genital region that you transmit the virus.  

So please don't panic about any of your relationships that you have that a non-sexual because there is absolutely no reason you need to.  And the reality is that 80% of the population has cold sores and they same children will end up probably with oral herpes at any rate through someone kissing them

[Rose2]

Thank you so much! I just bursted into tears after reading your response. Can't bear the thought of giving this to someone else.  I'm finding it really hard to be motivated to do daily tasks, avoiding people all together and I am normally a very active and social person. 

[Whyyyyy]

2 hours ago, Rose2 said:

Thank you so much! I just bursted into tears after reading your response. Can't bear the thought of giving this to someone else.  I'm finding it really hard to be motivated to do daily tasks, avoiding people all together and I am normally a very active and social person. 

I'm in the exact same boat. I know how you feel. Idk if this helps at all but just know you're not alone in feeling all these feelings! 

[Lisajd]

Honestly it really is just a time thing but you also have to try and keep on with your day today tasks because this will distract you and stop me from thinking about it all the time and the reality is it is about perspective.