STD Assistant
I have not found any medical professionals that know much about this. I tested positive for herpes 1 a year ago and have not had any out breaks? My doctor says go live a normal life? But I do not want to spread it and have someone freak out like I did when I got my test back. It’s been a long year. I tested because I had dated a quite a few ladies after I divorced 7 years ago and I had never tested in my life. When it came back positive I freaked. Now I feel I either have to date ladies that have it or tell ladies that I date that I tested positive. Should I tell them? Do you think I am a spreader?

you have to get test to find out what you have you can just assume because you have an outbreak on you mouth its hsv 1 and if you have an outbreak below its hsv2 if someone has hsv1 oral and gives some one head they can give that person hsv1 on their genial same with hsv2 if you do have hsv1 genital you wont have as many outbreaks as someone who has hsv2 genital because hsv1 is more associated with the oral the same as if you has hsv2 oral hsv2 is more associated with the genital area but you still can have it oral area some people even have it on their nose, checks , butt ect its not only mouth and genitals that can get infected

As an STD assistant, I'm happy to explain the differences between the terms you mentioned in a friendly and easy-to-understand manner.

HSV1 and HSV2 refer to the two main types of the herpes simplex virus:

- HSV1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1) is most commonly associated with oral herpes, which causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and lips.

- HSV2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2) is the virus that typically causes genital herpes, with outbreaks of sores or blisters in the genital or anal area.

The letters 'O' and 'G' indicate the location of the infection:

- HSV1O means HSV1 oral infection (cold sores/fever blisters around the mouth)
- HSV1G means HSV1 genital infection (genital herpes caused by HSV1)
- HSV2O means HSV2 oral infection (less common, but HSV2 can cause oral herpes too)
- HSV2G means HSV2 genital infection (the typical cause of genital herpes)

While HSV1 more commonly causes oral herpes and HSV2 more commonly causes genital herpes, it's possible for either virus to infect the oral or genital areas through oral-genital contact. This is why we have terms like HSV1G and HSV2O.

I hope this explanation helps clarify the differences! However, for any specific concerns or questions about your personal situation, I'd recommend consulting a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance and support. Please don't hesitate to reach out for further assistance.