Outlast Herpes
Outlast Herpes
Q: I have just been tested positive for Herpes. Did my partner infect me?
A: While infection via intercourse or oral sex is a certain vector, infection by toilet seat has been confirmed. Least likely, but not completely unlikely, is skin to skin contact between a person with an active outbreak who has just touched the affected area and not washed and a non-infected person with broken skin. The Herpes virus cannot survive long outside of the body, but even those few minutes are long enough to enable infection.
Q: Can the infection be shared by kissing?
A: If the IP (infected person) has a cold sore near their mouth, it is possible but unlikely to transmit via a kiss, unless that sore comes into contact with broken skin around the mouth of the non-IP (non-infected person). If the IP has genital Herpes, and no contagion on the face, then infection is highly unlikely. This author and partner consist of one IP and one non-IP and the non-IP has not contracted the infection in several years with the IP.
Q: Can I transmit the virus with a hug?
A: No. If, however, this is a concern by the other party, just wash your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer first.
Q: How can I ensure I don't transmit this disease via toilet even when I don't have an active outbreak?
A: Cleanliness is key. The simplest "best practice" is to carry sanitizing wipes. If you are a non-IP living with an IP just wipe down the toilet seat, handle, and surfaces before sitting down. If in a public restroom, wipe, then use a paper seat cover. If you are the IP, just wipe down after you flush and before you leave the stall.
Q: I've only had one outbreak. How do I know when another outbreak is commencing?
A: While symptoms vary from person to person, the most commonly reported is an unbearable itching, followed by excess mucous or secretions. Take a dose of your prescription medication at the first sign and continue per the directions for at least three days to a week. Wash the area gently but thoroughly. with regular soap and hot water, and pat dry. Wiping dry only serves to irritate the affected area, which only defeats the wash-up you just finished. Change underwear frequently and, if you are female, use pantiliners or menstrual pads to absorb secretions.
Q: Why does Herpes hurt so much? I've had zits and boils before and they've never hurt as much as these Herpes sores do.
A: The Herpes virus infects the nerves. The virus also has an internal pressure 'eight times higher than a car tire' .
Q: When I look at pictures of Herpes sores on the internet, I see many pictures of sores on the face and body as well as the genitals. Why is that?
A: The Herpes virus is highly contagious, when you have an active outbreak. If you do not wash your hands with soap and water after touching your affected groin, you can transfer the virus to other moist skin areas of your body. Picking a scab, rubbing your eyes, applying makeup, all can bring the virus into contact with non-infected skin, if you do not practice the greatest precautions and routines of cleanliness. When an outbreak commences, the virus will always return along the nerve pathways back to the site of original infection. Like the original infection, once you contaminate another part of your body, that will forever become a site of recurrent infection.
Q: Sex was wonderful - the orgasms, the intimacy. I want it so bad I'm going crazy. Is there no way to continue to have sex without infecting my partner?
A: Even using condoms, there remains some risk of contamination. How much, no one knows. But orgasms and intimacy can still be achieved without actual groin to groin contact. See my page on Intercourse .
Q: I always wanted marriage and a family. Are those things lost to me?
A: Marriage is possible, even between partners who cannot have sex. A family is also possible, although it won't be as simple, and will carry greater risks, than between non-infected partners. See my page on Children .
Q: I am so consumed by anger and upset, all I want to do is lash out and hurt someone, most especially whoever gave this to me. What can I do?
A: Revenge will not reverse your infection. Be satisfied to know the infector is already suffering, every bit as much as you are. Grieve for your loss, then move on. If you need help, there are many counselors, and fellow infected persons, to help you come to terms with your situation. My page on Support may also help you cope.
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