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Q: Is it possible to get genital herpes just by kissing, or maximum touching of genitals with a dormant carrier? My dermatologist said I had it without any blood or other tests. Acylex cream made me fine
Check this out-- it may help answer your concerns: http://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/genital-herpes/. You can get herpes from an infected partner even there are no signs of an outbreak. 70% of all persons are infected by a partner without any symptoms. I was infected by an asymptomatic partner. Unfortunately, too many infected persons refuse to educate themselves about asymptomatic herpes and gamble with their partner's health, without any regard to those with weakened immmune systems. Civil courts are ruling in favor of the victim.
It's important to understand that even if a condom is used and the infected partner takes Valtrex or Acyclovir, the uninfected partner can become infected with the herpes virus. On my drug summary sheet for Acyclovir, it states: "This medicine is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, this medicine does not eliminate the virus, is not a cure, and does not prevent transmission to others."
A condom alone is 30% effective. Antiviral drugs taken alone are 49% effective. Used together provide more protection. There is nothing 100% effective other than refraining from sexual activity with an infected person. As for having the herpes virus, the results should show up in a blood test after six to eight weeks of being infected. You can be tested for hsv-1 and hsv
Once you are infected with the herpes virus, it never goes away and it should show up in a blood test whether two months or five years. Again, outbreaks do not need to be present to transmit the herpes virus. 70% of all person infected with the virus are infected by persons without any symptoms. The reason why condoms are only 30% effective is that the herpes virus is present in other areas in addition to the vagina and penis such as thighs, buttocks and pubic area. My ex-boyfriend assured me twice before having sex that he did not have any STDs-- you can't believe what people always tell you, especially when it comes to STDs.
With herpes, it is difficult to identify sores from a visual examine unless it is a severe outbreak and open sores are present. However, my initial outbreak looked like a rash in the beginning. Because I have an autoimmune disease where I am constantly monitored for vulva cancer, I have to point out the herpes lesions to my treating physician when I am having an outbreak-- sometimes they are that difficult to see. I am surprised a doctor would make that diagnosis given what you said. You can be tested for HPV and HSV.
I saw someone asked similar questions at the herpes dating site HFriends.net. Counselor of the site said you have much less chance but you still have the chances. You'd better take a blood test.
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The thing is, I was diagnosed with herpes by my dermatologist about 5 years ago because I had a vaginal rash. The diagnosis was made solely on the basis of visual inspection. I have never had intercourse with any guy. Prior to the incident, I had kissed a guy, and maybe our genital had literally just touched... He claims to not have herpes. So I wanna know if it is possible to catch it by this means in case he was a dormant carrier? Could the diagnosis have been incorrect? Acylex cream worked on my rash, and its for the treatment of herpes, and since it worked, I assumed I was given the cream for the right disease. Will an anti body blood test work now after 5 years of no outbreaks, in case I do have it?