Herpes Simplex 2

Herpes Simplex 2 questions and answers

Learn more about Herpes Simplex 2 at Diet & Health.net.

Q: what's the difference between herpes simplex 1, herpes simplex 2 and gential herpes?


A: The other two answers are incorrect. They are two slightly different herpes viruses, but either one can infect either the genitals or the mouth. Each has grown to be 'better adapted' to one particular area, but is just as happy to infect the other area. The only difference is that outside its preferred area, each virus is less likely to cause recurrent outbreaks. Symptoms are identical. For example, hsv-2 'prefers' the genitals - although it can also cause oral herpes (cold sores). If you get genital hsv-2, it is more infectious than a genital hsv-1 infection or an oral hsv-2 infection. A genital hsv-2 infection might be infectious about 16% of the time, and cause 6 outbreaks a year on average, while a genital hsv-1 infection might be infectious 3% of the time and cause one outbreak every 2 years on average. The symptoms of outbreaks of hsv-1 and hsv-2 are indistinguishable, however - neither causes more severe symptoms than the other, wherever the infection is located. In the absence of a prior herpes infection, both viruses are opportunistic and are perfectly happy to infect either the mouth or the genitals, whichever they come into contact with. Hsv-1 (herpes simplex 1) 'prefers' the mouth. It causes 95% of oral herpes infections (cold sores), BUT it also causes MORE genital herpes infections these days than hsv-2 does. If you have never previously had cold sores (usually caused by hsv-1 on the mouth) it is very easy for your partner to give you genital hsv-1 if they give you oral sex, even in between cold sores. That is why 73% of new genital herpes infections among young people are caused by the so-called 'oral herpes' virus, hsv-1. Only a minority of genital herpes cases - between a third and a quarter - are now caused by hsv-2. People often think hsv-1 is the 'good' herpes virus, the 'mild' one that causes cold sores (and that a genital herpes infection is always more severe than an oral herpes infection). It isn't. Oral hsv-1 is the most infectious form of herpes you can get - it is infectious around 18% of the time. A genital herpes outbreak is no better or worse than a cold sore on the mouth. Only the location is different, whichever virus causes it. I have genital hsv-1. I caught it from my boyfriend, who gets cold sores on his mouth occasionally. He gave me oral sex in between cold sores, when we thought it was safe because he had no symptoms. It wasn't - there is still a risk of passing oral herpes on when no symptoms are present. Although genital hsv-1 is supposed to be milder, it is all subjective. For the first couple of years I averaged about 6-8 outbreaks a year, which is far more than most people get with hsv-2. A genital herpes outbreak looks exactly like a cold sore. Like a cold sore, it can be so mild you can hardly see it, or it can be severe, but it is no better or worse. The pictures of genital herpes on the internet are worse case scenarios and first outbreaks. For a more realistic image of what a genital herpes outbreak looks like, search for images of cold sores and imagine that on the genitals, and you've pretty much got it. As for genital herpes being 'worse' because of babies being able to catch neonatal herpes - well first, neonatal herpes is rare, about 1 in 200,000 births, despite 1 in 4 pregnant women having genital herpes. And it is also easily preventable now. It usually only occurs when a woman contracts herpes during the pregnancy. Oral herpes also has it's own side effects - as well as being a problem for people with immune problems, it can sometimes cause encephalitis if it goes on the brain, and is also very serious if caught by a very youg baby (through a kiss).

Q: how many have been exposed to the herpes simplex 2 virus?
You have never had an outbreak and only carry the antibodies?

A: Impossible to say how many have been exposed. People who test positive for hsv 2 but have not had an outbreak: they still have the virus, they are still able to spread it to someone else. The antibodies that tests look for are part of the immune system - on patrol looking for an active virus to sound the alarm and get more of the immune system to respond. Not sure why some people never get an outbreak. It could be that their immune system is able to keep the virus from causing any full fledged outbreaks, or they live a lifestyle where they do not trigger the virus to come out of it's dormant state. (things like stress, sunburn, too much arginine in your food and other things can be triggers) Others can have outbreaks so mild that they may not recognize them as one.

Q: I got a positive response for Herpes Simplex 2 antibodies.?
I was told a single positive result only indicates previous immunologic exposure and the level of antibody response can not be used to determine active infection or disease stage. Beyond that, my doctor wasn't much help. What does this mean? The bottomline is I have herpes right? Should I get re-tested?

A: Laboratories and doctors facilities who write the scripts often miscommunicate on said script. Positive means positive, yes; you do have herpes. Doctors must specify on the script to differentiate between type 1 and type 2 otherwise a lot of laboratories will not do so. Also, the way you describe the antibody test is confusing; from that information it is hard to say if you were recently exposed or if your antibodies formed an army already and you've had herpes for a while. Therefore, yes, you have herpes. To answer your re-test question: I would ask your doctors office about the antibodies (IgG and IgM) that they looked at and if they can tell from them how long you have been exposed to the virus.

Q: Can Herpes Simplex 1, turn into Herpes 2?
About 3rs ago I was affected with Herpes simplex 1 in my my vaginal area, and recently I cut myself there shaving. I went to the doctor because the area was really irratated, and I wanted to make sure I didn't do any real damage. Right off the back the nurse told me she thought it was Herpes. Well the results came back and that was what it was, but this time it said it was Herpes Simplex 2. My question is can 1 manifest into 2?

A: No, HSV1 does not become HSV2. It's likely that one of the two tests was incorrect with regards to type. It doesn't make much difference - the symptoms, treatment, risks, etc are all the same. That's why both types - if caught genitally - are called "genital herpes."

Q: Exposed to herpes simplex 2?
I had sex with someone who I just found out has herpes simplex 2...how long before I know if I contracted it? Or how long before I see signs. I am a female with no previous STD's.

A: normal incubation is between 2 and 30 days with most outbreaks occuring between 2 and 10 days - without having an outbreak you can still find out if you are infected, have your doctor run an HSV typing blood test - you will get results in about a week

Q: can i get herpes simplex 2?
i got herpes simplex 1 from my gf, is it possible for me to get herpes simplex 2 by sleeping with her? she's a virgin so i know she hasn't slept with anyone before. so would i get the virus? and if yes, how? or why? i dunno much about the virus, like what causes it or anythin so i was just wondering. thanks!

A: if you go down on her with a herpes I, then she can get herpes II. or vice versa. i read this in a health book, and at the time my boyfriend had a fever blister, so i definately took note. but just making out with no oral sex... you're ok!!

Q: Herpes simplex 1 And 2?
If you have Herpes simplex 2 will it go to your mouth? Or if you gave oral could you get the simplex 2 in your mouth first or genitals? I know simplex 1 is your mouth but could that still mean you could have simplex 2?? sorry i am trying to get to the bottom of something and was wondering if anyone knew. Oh and if you do have simplex 2 when does it show up? and can you tell you have it? by the way they look?

A: Both forms of hereps can be transferred...mouth to genitals and vice versa. Trust me, unless you have a mild outbreak, you will KNOW that you have herpes. Go to this website (http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/STDFact-herpes.htm) for more info. Hope this helps. Good Luck!!!!

Q: Herpes Simplex 2?
Ok for like two weeks i have been having this uncomfortness in my penis it doesnt hurt when i pee and its just a mild uncomfortness. i havent had any lesions,blisters,or anything but i do have like bumps on my face but they are just reguar bumps and nothing has came out of them like pus or anything and they are noth by each other. could this be herpes simplex 2. and my lips also are dry and thats been going on for 2 weeks or a week now. Could This Be Herpes?

A: I can't answer the question on whether it's herpes or not, but maybe you should get checked out if you're not sure. Check this sit out and I hope it will help you a little

Q: Is there life after herpes simplex 2 diagnosis?
I am devastated. I just got back from the doctors and was informed that I have tested positive for herpes simplex 2. Not to blame, not to dwell on the facts...its done...I have it... Now what?? I am a single lady in her 50s, very clean, very careful but it was hard enough to find someone before...is my life as I know it over? I don't even know where to begin... Hi my name is....., I am caring, friendly, passionate and a good person and I have herpes how do you like me so far...just doesn't seem to work. I feel like I will sit in my little cave (my house) and just be alone for the rest of my life. Even flirting won't feel right anymore. How do I tell my friends (that may need to know) ? Help help help I feel soooooooo lost, scared ...and alone........... Hey 1692...unless you ask everyone you are with if they have ever had a coldsore you ALREADY have been with someone with herpes. Coldsores are herpies simplex 1 and can give genital herpes as well...and to top it off...85-90% of the population have been introduced to HS1. grow up...I didn't 'go near' someone with herpes on purpose....dumbass Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to leave a message. It has helped me a lot to read about others and their thoughts and feelings and I thank you for sharing that with me. As for the ones that perhaps we less kind in their comments...I guess it is just a reminder that there will still be lots of people out there that will be ignorant of the facts and will be cruel to others...no matter what. Life is a balance and I thank the fact that the scale tips to the 'good and kind' side... Thank you my firends........S

A: No life is not over but your sex life just got a lot harder. people will not want to have sex with you when they find out that you have this nor will some of your friend stay your friends. I would not tell people that don't need to know and look into something else for a sexual relief (Not to be rude) like toys. Being in your 50's you understand how things are and how things will need to change. I am sorry that this had to happen to you or anyone because most times it's not their fault. Learn all you can and just make sure you use good judgment in any sexual activity. JED

Q: Im rooming with someone with Herpes Simplex 2... how contagious?
I am sharing a 2 BR Apt with a friend who has Herpes Simplex 2 and im really afraid. I feel like I need to vigorously wash al the dishes and silverware. She has stated when i asked her about it that she is very conscious but then I catch her sharing cigarettes when she has outbreaks and even kissed someone!! Thats not very responsible. I dont want to keep bringing it up but I want to protect myself. She gets angry and defensive very easily and moving out isn;t an option right now. Should I buy my own forks or cups? I have already thrown out my mouthwash fearing she used it. PLease help

A: Hepres Simplex 2-HSV2 is genital herpes and is spread through skin to skin contact. Rarely does it ever affect the mouth. Unless she is touching the cigarette or dishes with her genitals you really have nothing to worry about. Besides...the virus dies shortly after leaving the body and you don't get it from innanimate objects. Some education might be in order and I've posted an article you can read.

Q: What's the difference between Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2)?


A: They used to say hsv-1 caused oral herpes, and hsv-2 causes genital herpes, but this is no longer correct. HSV-1 can cause both genital and oral herpes. It causes maybe 95% of oral herpes, and where I live in the UK about 60% + of genital herpes. In fact, of the three women I know wth genital herpes all have type 1. HSV-1 is better adapted to the mouth, which means you will get more outbreaks if you have it orally than if you have it genitally, and it is infectious more of the time - about 16-18% of the time when the infection is oral and 3-4% when it is genital. About 60% of the population is infected with hsv-1 by high school age, and about 95% by age 50. HSV-2 is usually found genitally. It prefers to be on the genitals - it can be caught orally, and many more people than realise probably have it orally, but when it causes an oral infection it hardly ever causes symptoms or recurrences, and is minimally infectious. When it causes a genital infection, it produces more outbreaks, and is infectious maybe 16% of the time on average. 25% of women and 20% of men have hsv-2 in the USA; by middle age this is more like 30-40%. In order of degree of infectiousness, in decreasing order it would be oral hsv-1, genital hsv-2, genital hsv-1 and finally oral hsv-2. Apart from the number of outbreaks, there is nothing to distinguish the two types, both cause exactly the same symptoms - small, fluid filled blisters that quickly burst to form small sores that heal within a few days are the classic symptoms, though milder infections can be mistaken for a yeast infection or a pimple. People often get warning signs of an outbreak before they get it - sore facial or leg nerves, or a tingling on the lips or on the genitals. Genitally or orally, symptoms are the same. Infections caused by either virus, whether the infection is oral or genital, while mainly infectious while sores are present, are sometimes infectious when no symptoms are present, and this is known as 'asymptomatic shedding'.

Q: A question for my fellow women with herpes simplex 2?
How may times a year do you usually have an outbreak? What does it feel like when you have an outbreak on the inside?period cramps?Do any of you all ever feel insecure about it?

A: For me, the first six months I had it were absolutely horrible, and ob per month. I've had it since 2002 and I've only had a few ob's since then. I don't think I can say I feel insecure about it. My husband is really supportive. We've been together 3 yrs. and he does not have it. I don't have any friends w/hsv2 and I kind of miss being able to talk to someone who knows what it's like, etc, ya know? As for how ob's feel, the times I've had them they've varied, sometimes it's just an uncomfortable feeling. Sometimes fairly painful. But just having hsv has really become almost a non-issue. Thankfully, I am lucky, and my ob's are few and far-between. I realized very early on that I was lucky that I only contracted hsv and not something that could or would end my life. I knew I had it, and I could not change that. So I had to just accept that on move on with my life. It's made me more careful in relationships, grateful for the life I have, and so thankful for being able to find someone to share my life with and raise our kids with. It's wierd but in a way it helped me get my head straight and live the life I knew I wanted and not take things for granted. So no, I guess I really don't ever feel insecure about it. :)

Q: Are hpv and herpes simplex 1 and 2 related conditions?
I was diagnost with hpv and later that year I had blood work done by my primary physian and it came back that I had antibodies for Herpes 1 and 2. what does all this mean?

A: HPV and herpes (HSV1/2) Are not related. This means that you have HPV - which most people by the age of 45years old, have contracted at least one type of HPV. (there are about 30hpv strands)There are 2 types which cause 70% of cervical cancer. And there are 2 types which cause 90% of genital warts. There is a vaccination for HPV now. It covers the 4 strands which i just told you about. HSV1 and HSV2 is called oral and genital herpes. These really do not affect your health to much as such. 1 in 4 people have HSV2 (genital) and over 50% of the population have HSV1. Obviously you have HPV as you tested positive for that. Herpes 1 and 2 - you are also positive for that. Please don't think you are the only person in the world with this. These are the 2 most common stds contracted. as i have stated above.

Q: so herpes simplex virus 1 turns into herpes simplex virus 2 when contacted on genitals?
ok i'm sooo confused because i just dont understand how HSV1 turns into genital herpes (HSV2). let me tell you what i know. HSV1 is cold sores and you get it through people that has it by kissing sharing drinks anything that have touched the person infected. however, when you give oral sex or lets say kissed someone else's genitals while you have the HSV1, how come it automatically switches to HSV2 when that person gets it from you? or is it different? meaning if that person gets genital herpes from HSV1, can you tell the difference if a person gets genital herpes from HSV2? because this is really really serious since researching online, it shows that 85-90% of the population has HSV1 but just dormant or some shows it by having cold sores. if almost everyone has the virus then wouldn't it give a lot of people genital herpes since a lot of people give oral sex/kissing? however not everyone gets genital herpes through HSV1 so this is just confusing. thank you for all your answers! thanks so far for the answers, but can you comment on how crazy it is that 85-90% population has the HSV and just by having that virus while giving oral sex it could transfer to someone's genitals and turn into genital herpes. so do you agree that we should NEVER give oral sex unless protected? however, not everybody uses condom/diahprams while doing oral

A: It doesn't "turn" into herpes simplex virus 2. Both viruses (herpes simplex virus 1 and 2) can cause either cold sores or genital herpes. Typically cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus 1, while genital herpes are caused by herpes simplex virus 2. So, if someone with cold sores were to give someone oral sex, it can cause them to get genital herpes, because cold sores can cause genital herpes. In fact 30% of people with genital herpes got it from cold sores. There is no difference between herpes simplex virus 1 or 2. The only difference is, that herpes simplex virus 1 is typically cold sores and herpes simplex virus 2 is typically genital herpes, but both strains can cause either one. You also don't spread cold sores unless they are present. So you can't pass it to the genital area if they are not present. I hope that cleared it up a little bit for you!

Q: I have herpes simplex 2 and I have a couple questions about it.Please help!?
1st of all, can it spread through bathwater even when you don't have an outbreak?2nd, if someone gives you oral sex and you have the virus can it spread to their mouth?and 3rd, do you have to take valtrex everyday to supress outbreaks?

A: 1. No it is NOT spread through bath water, or a swimming pool, or jacuzzi for that matter. Genital herpes is spread by sex (vaginal, oral, and anal) and by DIRECT skin to skin contact with the infected area. It is RARELY spread by childbirth. 2. Yes, it is possible for a person to develop cold sores from giving someone with genital herpes oral sex. It doesn't matter if the person with genital herpes is on an outbreak or not - it can still spread the virus. Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus 2, while cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus 1. Both cold sores and genital herpes however, can be caused by either herpes simplex virus 1 or 2. 3. No, you do not need to be on daily suppressive therapy with Valtrex. Some people (including me) only take medication when they are having an outbreak or "feel" one coming. There are also other medications out there for herpes including acyclovir (which I take) and famciclovir. Valtrex is the most talked about (I think because of the commercials on TV), but it's not the only medication for herpes. The medication only HELPS prevent the spread of genital herpes and only HELPS prevent outbreaks. People can still spread the virus even if they are taking medication and they can still get outbreaks while taking the medication. The medication isn't a guarantee, it just HELPS. Take care!