I recently tested positive for HSV-2. I have no symptoms so I don't know where the virus is located in my body. My girlfriend tested negative on everything so we are worried about me infecting her. We have not had a sexual relationship but have engaged in long, passionate kisses. Are we risking her getting infected?
Thank you, G
From this website (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/STDFact-herpes.htm
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause, but they also are released between outbreaks from skin that does not appear to have a sore. Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected.
I was infected by a partner like you. 70% of all persons are infected by a partner without symptoms. Unfortunately, I have monthly outbreaks after six years on Acyclovir. Women with weakened immune systems like me have it worse.
HSV-2 (genital herpes) cannot be transferred from kissing. It lives and sheds from the lower spine, whereas, HSV-1 (oral herpes) can live and shed from the upper spine causing oral herpes; can be passed on through oral sex or sexual intercourse because it live in both the upper and lower spines. You can have both HSV-1 and HSV-2.
According to an article in the New York Times, http://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/18/giving-your-partner-herpes/, a condom alone is roughly 30% effective. Antiviral drugs alone are roughly 49% effective. I read somewhere that roughly 30% of all uninfected partners eventually become infected with the herpes virus. Note, skin-to-skin contact without sexual intercouse in the buttocks and/or thighs can transfer the virus to another person. When shedding, herpes is very contagious.
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I have read that the HSV-2 virus can be found in saliva.