Hello doctor, I was recently diagnosed with genital herpes. I am sure I got it from a person with type 1 (had regularly cold sores in the past and probably transferred it to me through oral sex). I was wondering, is there still a chance I might infect that person genetically? Or how high is the chance? We both have the same type of herpes, but my partner only experienced oral herpes before, and I have genital herpes. Can someone who already had oral herpes develop genital herpes themselves? Or does herpes only occur at the place of infection? I want to know how high the risk is of me infecting my partner genetically (same type) when I am not showing any symptoms.
Hello. Genital herpes can be transmitted to your partner sexually because it is an STD (sexually transmitted disease), whereas herpes simplex (HSV-1) can be transferred from one person to another via infected oral secretions while in close contact. But at times, there is a possibility of getting genital ulcers when you are infected with HSV-1. Hence, I would advise you to undergo lab test to know if you are infected with the virus or not. And if you are positive for HSV, then you will require Acyclovir, which is an antiviral medicine. Till then, I would advise you to take preventive measures to avoid transmission to other partners. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact me.