POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: cjc on August 19, 2006, 10:15:13 pm
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Hello, i just wondered if any of you know about the risks involved engaging in sex with someone who also has herpies in addition to the HIV. I do not have herpes but have meet someone nice who does and wonder how easy or hard it would be for me to catch this. And also if i did catch it, would it make my HIV worse. Please advise. Thanks Cristy Oh, I'm on Sustiva and truvada, he is on no hiv meds but on meds for the herpes if this makes any difference . Some of the stuff I just read sounds like this is rough to have a co infection like HIV and Herpes. Please give your advice on this. maybe I'm just being a worrywart but I should probably find out before I go any further. thanks for your help. Cristy
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HSV2 is a lot easier to transmit than HIV. They don't have to be having an out break to transmit it. Always use condoms when having vaginal or anal sex.
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Cristy,
Roddles is correct. Herpes Simplex Virus is much more contagious than HIV. Whilst HSV won't make your HIV any worse per se, a compromised immune system can make the outbreaks of HSV much worse. Genital herpes is very very painful, especially for women. Use condoms and avoid skin to skin contact during outbreaks.
Your partner may wish to take acyclovir to reduce the frequency and severity of his attacks.
Regards,
MtD
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Thanks for your quick replies. I kinda figure this isn't something i want to add to my list so maybe i just won't risk it. haven't decided yet but it seems to me just having HIV is plenty. Thanks ya'll. Cristy
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Hi Cristy,
You mentioned in your first post that he is already on herpes meds, so that would probably be acyclovir. Acyclovir suppresses herpes outbreaks and cuts down transmission to pretty much nil, as long as the person is taking the acyclovir every day, and not just when they feel an outbreak coming on. With him being on acyclovir, I wouldn't worry about getting it from him. (Of course, this is something you will have to decide for yourself.) One of the reasons acyclovir is taken by peope with herpes is expressly to stop onward transmission. It works.
You can read more about herpes in the Oral and Genital Herpes Lesson (http://www.aidsmeds.com/OIs/Herpes1.htm)
Ann
(who has been on acyclovir for a few years now, with no onward transmission)
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Thanks Ann, I read that lesson and it was very informative. I shall take it into consideration. Cristy
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Ann,
I think it's horribly irresponsible to tell anyone that if their partner is taking acyclovir the won't transmit the disease.
I'll agree that it significantly lessens the likelihood but please, outbreaks can and do occur.
As a moderator here people pretty much take your word as gospel. There's a bit of responsibility that goes along with that.
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Grinch,
"Acyclovir suppresses herpes outbreaks and cuts down transmission to pretty much nil" does not mean "won't transmit the disease." I never said it was an absolute. It's rare for someone who takes acyclovir prophylaxis correctly to transmit herpes, and I did tell her it was somthing she'd have to weigh up and decide for herself. Besides, it's pretty obvious that if a person has a breakthrough eruption that they'd be able to transmit the virus during that time. It's a no-brainer.
Ann
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Again , Thank you all for your replies. They were very helpful in allowing me to make a informed decision. Cristy
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Hello Cristy, it is Eldon. Just as Ann said it is pretty much a NIL if your potential partner is taking their medicine as prescribed by their doctor. However, it is up to you to make a wise decision. It is good that you checked it out first.
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You're welcome Cristy, informed decisions rock!
And good luck with this fella, if you decide to persue the relationship.
Ann