HERPES

Was I exposed to Herpes?

Dear Dr. Rob:

I’m a 28yr old female and I just had my annual checkup and
I was tested for everything, including having blood work done.
My doctor told me that I had been exposed to herpes 1 and 2,
but there was no way of knowing if I had the disease unless
I had some sort of outbreak which I’ve never had. By being
exposed to it, does this mean that I have the disease or could
I have been exposed and not carry the disease? Is this possible?

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Dr Rob’s Response:

Dear Poster Asking about being a Carrier:

Your doctor is somewhat misinformed. The fact that you
have antibodies, if they were discovered doing a Herpes
Select Test, means that you have been exposed to that virus,
and having been exposed to that virus and having the
antibodies means that you get that diagnosis.

Herpes is forever, but you can protect yourself using Lysine
1 gram twice a day to reduce the number of outbreaks if
they ever occur.

It is of significant note that many people develop herpes
without ever having outbreaks.

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