Do you have any questions or concerns about what Herpes is, how it's
spread, about the virus itself?
Receive answers from Dr.
Tom Neblett, a Doctor who has devoted much of his
life to the study of viruses and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Ask Dr. Tom
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Dear Dr. Tom:
I met a guy recently that I became very
interested in. We are just friends for now, but there is a possibility
of developing a sexual relationship. I am really really really attracted
to that person both intellectually and physically. Few days ago, he
told me that he has herpes. All I said was: "I appreciate you letting
me know" - and I meant it. We both know that we want to become more
intimate, but I am not sure how to protect myself. Are there any questions
I need to ask him? What kind of protection should we use? Is there
any way a person can know whether or not he sheds asymptomatically?
Please let me know.
Thank you, Mescha
Dr. Tom's Response:
Dear Mescha:
Let's answer the last part of your question
first: If a person is known to be infected with herpes virus the (most
extreme) safe assumption is that the virus can be shed by the infected
person asymptomatically. This does not always happen. While it may
not be as convenient, assume that if the virus is present in the system,
its presence poses an infectious hazard.
Barrier protection, ie.,a condom, is the
best way to provide a means to prevent the virus from reaching another
susceptible would-be host, YOU. Rarely, barrier protection has been
known to fail. However, a herpes infection is not the end of the world
for its host, and if the guy means such a great deal to you, you will
at least know the maximum risk involved in the relationship.
If the two of you are to become intimate,
you might wish to learn of the man's history of recurrences of his
herpes infection. Also, since herpes is a sexually transmitted disease,
it may not be his lone ranger. STDs sometimes are infectious co-habitors.
Has he ever experienced or been treated for other STDs or considered
that he might have been infected with another STD? These are very difficult
questions to deal with, but remember that you are planning to sleep
with every other person your man has slept with.
Dr. Tom
Dear Dr. Tom:
Is it possible to get herpes from hugging
someone?
Dr. Tom's Response:
Dear Anonymous:
NO! Hugging someone in the manner we are
all most accustomed to is not a means to transmit herpes. HSV is transmitted
most commonly through warm, moist, mucous membranes and tissues, ie.,
genital tract, eyes, anus, et. al. HSV is not airborne. Hugging of
nude bodies where one has herpetic lesions, however, would be a most
likely way to pass the infection. Herpes and another member of the
pox virus group have been known to be transmitted between wrestlers'
sweaty bodies.
Dr. Tom
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