Does Genital Herpes progress to HIV?
Recently I have contracted urinary infection. I consulted a dermatologist, who after doing many tests told me I am suffering from Herpies. I was shocked. Now I am taking acyclovir tablets and cream.
But even after completing the course, I am still suffering same problem. Not only this problem but I am also worried that Herpeis might turn into HIV. AT present the HIV test shows that I am negative for HIV I & II. HSV I IgG and IgM within normal limits. HSV IgG and IgG far above normal limits. HCV and VDRL are negative. Please advise.
A:
In the first place I do not have clear information about your urinary infection. When you say you are suffering from the same problem, do you mean herpes or urine infection. Anyways, your tests indicate that, as at the time of testing, you do not have HIV infection (Type I and II), you do not have evidence of hepatitis C, You do not have the herpes virus type I that causes cold sores (for ex. in the mouth), no evidence of syphilis. So far so good. What you have are antibodies for type II HSV which causes genital herpes. You have not indicated whether you have had any sores on the penis or neighborhood. If you have never had herpes sores on the penis, it is possible that you might be harboring the virus but may have not developed clinical symptoms.
First of all, be assured that Herpes infection of the genitals will not progress into anything else. Herpres is Herpes. That’s it. It will not transform into HIV infection. Simply because these are caused by two unrelated viruses.
Herpes infection of the genitals, if caught, will stay for a very long time in the body. Now and then it surfaces near the moist areas of the genitals and erupts into sores. After a week or so they they disappear whether or not you take any medicine. Usually the recur 3-6 times a year and this will continue for several years. If you take medication (which are taking tight now), the sores will appear less frequently and therefore bother you less.
The best thing about genital herpes is that it is not life threatening. It does not cause serious harm to you. So, do not panic. At the same time do not neglect it either. Whenever you have sexual intercourse, watch out for any signs of eruptions on your penis or nearby. If you see any sores, or a tiny pimple, red spot , or suspect anything that catches your attention, use condom to avoid passing it on to your partner. Do not go in for oral sex. And if you are wife is pregnant or if you are trying for a child, you need to discuss the herpes infection with your doc so that (s)he will initiate precautions to prevent your child from getting herpes.
Nowadays better medicines have come up. Why don’t you check with an STD specialist.
Visit CDC website for more information on Herpes.
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