I was recently diagnosed with HSV-1. However, I am asymptomatic. Therefor, I am unsure of where the virus is active, genitals or orally. Is there a way to know where I am infected, seeing as no lesions have been present? Also, how would I know if I am shedding the virus without lesions?
Hello, Thanks for posting on Chat Doctor, Most at times, Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV) infection presents with no symptoms as in your case and may remain so for a very long time. It usually manifests more often in a state of immunosuppression of the host. If symptomatic, you will develop cold sores. However, it is a very contagious sexually transmitted infection, and unfortunately you might not be able to tell when you are transmitting or not. Medications can reduce the duration and frequency of herpes outbreaks. They can also help reduce the risk of HSV type 1 transmission to a susceptible partner.  These medications are mostly antivirals such as acyclovir (prescription only Chat Doctor. Hope this helps