Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with herpes

Shingles with no rash?

BlahLaLa — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:32:12 -0800

He thought it was an ear infection. Doc says shingles. Really? So Mr. BlahLaLa had a cold, followed by an earache that eventually got so strong and annoying he thought it was an ear infection. He also has a lot of pain all over the side of his head -- same side as the ear. So this morning he went to the doc...who said his ear is totally clear, and instead all that pain is because Hubby has is shingles.

But he has no rash.

Doc prescribed heavy-duty Valtrex, but said the pain might take more than a week to subside. Mr. BlahLahLah did have chicken pox as a kid.

You're Not Our Doctor, but here are our questions:

#1: Shingles? Really?
#2: We co-sleep with our 6.5 year old kid. Is this contagious?

If anyone can shed some light on this non-rashy shingles, we would appreciate it. Also, we'd love to hear about the prognosis for this. Hubby tensed up at the doc's and didn't quite absorb everything the doc was saying.

The dreaded hook-up

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:50:19 -0800

Got lucky last night and made out with a hot girl. Awesome! Hot girl then confessed that she has herpes. Erg... HSV-1/-2 questions inside. I did the obvious researching on the 'net, called Planned Parenthood, made an appointment. But still need hard answers. She claims she has HSV-2, genital herpes, and that only genital contact will pass it on. I read that, while unlikely, kissing her (ie., sharing saliva) could also do this.

So, my first question: what are the odds? She didn't seem to be suffering from an outbreak, and I didn't go anywhere near her private part.

Second question: why is testing for it so difficult? I'm reading conflicting accounts. Some websites say that unless I'm actually openly soring (sorry for imagery), the only way to get tested is through some university in Washington?? And then I hear about so-called blood tests for herpes, which an equal number of sources claims doesn't exist.

For the record, no Planned Parenthood center in New York City does herpes testing (my appointment is for general STD testing). So where can I go? Is there such a thing as a blood test for herpes? And what's this U. of Washington thing all about?

And am I imagining that I'm sort of itching everywhere? Or could it really be?

Help!

Insight into genital herpes type 1?

Anonymous — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:49:27 -0800

Herpes filter: Just found out that I have Type 1 Herpes, genitally. What the heck? I went to Planned Parenthood after major pain during sex. The doctor found a small sore, and I just found out that it tested positive for Herpes Type 1 but negative for Herpes Type II. I have never had a cold sore but my boyfriend of 2 years has (although not since we've been together). My doctor says I probably got it from oral sex with him when he didn't have a sore.

I'm having a hard time understanding the gravity of the situation. On the one hand, the majority of people have Herpes Type I, and genital Type I sores are increasingly common. On the other hand, is this an end to condomless sex with my boyfriend? Obviously sex right now is a no-no, but my doctor prescribed Acyclovir to clear up this outbreak for good. After that, what are my chances of spreading it to him, even though he already has it (but not on his genitals, I guess)?

And now that I have it, is it confined to my genitals? And the single sore is so, so small. Is the initial outbreak the worst?

Throwaway e-mail: shmerpyherpes@yahoo.com

Herpes blood test in NYC

Anonymous — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:22:05 -0800

Where to get a herpes blood test in NYC? I have been in an exclusive relationship with a man for the last few months. Previous to our getting together, he was married for 10 years to a woman with genital herpes. They always took precautions to abstain when she had an outbreak to prevent her passing it to him. But, as he assumed they would be married forever, he did not worry about it too much.

He did not realize until his most recent doctor visit that it was possible to contract herpes even when avoiding sex during an outbreak. After his doctor visit, he told me about this issue, sincerely apologizing for not bringing it up earlier, as he didn’t realize there would be any risk.

Neither he nor I have ever had any symptoms/outbreaks, but we want to get tested just to make sure. We are both recent transplants to NYC, and neither of us have health insurance or a GP (his recent doctor visit was before he moved). I called both Planned Parenthood and NYC Department of Health, and neither provides blood tests. They will only test current lesions.

So where is a free/cheap/sliding-scale clinic that will provide blood tests for both a male and a female in NYC?

Herpes help!

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:10:52 -0800

My girlfriend was just diagnosed with genital herpes. What can I do to make this easier on her? We've been in a commited relationship for about 6 months now, and I'm absolutely crazy about her. I'm getting tested today, and while I'm obviously a little bit nervous/scared, she's pretty shaken up about it. She was worried I was going to break up with her when she told me, and is just pretty upset about it in general. What can I do to ease the stress of this situation? If anyone's been in a similar situation, how did you cope with it?

Do I need new makeup now?

pyjammy — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:48:25 -0800

I was diagnosed today with a fever blister on my left eyeball. Do I need to get rid of my eye makeup? I went to the eye doctor today because of a stabbing pain in my left eye. It felt like it was scratched or had a grain of sand in it. Turns out, there's a tiny fever blister there. (Last time I had an outbreak was in 1992, and it didn't get into my eye, but was very close.)

I assume I will need to toss my contacts (which I last wore yesterday) but should I throw away any makeup I've worn on my eyes recently?

The worst loss is a brand new tube of Lancome mascara, but I can deal with that. I just wanted some opinions before I have to start over buying makeup.

(And should it be just eye makeup? Or all makeup?)

(And yes, I could ask my doctor, but office hours are over for today and it's not something I feel the need to call about.)

When and how to tell my SO I have an STD?

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:41:19 -0800

How do I let my boyfriend know I have herpes? When should I tell him? I recently just started a new relationship and I am dealing with genital herpes. I take care of myself and make sure I am clean and take my medication when I feel a breakout coming. I feel I handle it very well. I didn't tell him about it yet because I did not expect to, frankly, fall for him. It's less than 6 months we have been going out also.

What happened is my ex cheated on me and gave me the virus while we were still together. (I only learned of his cheating AFTER we broke up) but at the time I assumed it was from an old girlfriend. It's possible but something inside of me doubts that scenario for he would have infected me sooner rather than as long as we have been together. Anyways, I really respect this new person in my life and we have been intimate and I kinda get the feeling from his conversations that these things worry the shit out of him. I feel horrible. When is it a good time to honestly tell him? I never felt this way for anyone and this is hard for me. Please help.

What is up with coldsores?

mjao — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:32:17 -0800

I've gotten coldsores since I was a kid, generally once every 18-36 months. I got one 2-3 months ago, but then I got another one today. My whole life I got them on my top lip, but 2-3 months ago I got it for the first time on my bottom lip. This time, it has appeared on my bottom lip again, but now I think a SECOND one is also appearing on my top lip. Why has it moved? Why has it become more frequent? Why am I now getting 2-for-1? Should I be freaking out? Note: I am freaking out. One is bad enough, but TWO? I'm a leper.

When do you tell someone you've got oral herpes?

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:16:24 -0800

When do you tell someone you have HSV1? So I used to think this was an easy question and now I’m not really sure.

Basically about four years ago I got diagnosed with oral herpes, HSV1. I’d never had a symptom. Never had one fever blister. Nothing. But a partner said she’d tested positive for oral herpes and that I needed to get tested. I’d been tested six months prior (I have great coverage and get tested for everything every twice a year) and had nothing. Now I was positive for it and I went to a specialist.

So for the next two months I went to an immunologist who had me on valtrex because he was having a hard time telling whether I was also positive for HSV2 or whether it was just a cross reactive thing. At the end of two months they figured that something else I was on was interfering with the test. They took me off and there was no more cross reactivity. I was positive for HSV1 but not HSV2. I asked if this meant I should change the dosage on the valtrex.

The doc said that I should stop taking it.

My specialist said with HSV1 it was no big deal and not worth the prescription. I went to my GP for a second opinion. Is this something you disclose to a partner? His opinion was even more cavalier than the immunologist. More people have it than don’t. It’s no big deal. His only admonitions were about condom use.

So I went about my life. I dated. I had a few relationships. And at some point I ended up with a girl who was a virgin (and for what it’s worth, it was something I didn’t know about till afterwards). We had regular sex with condoms and I performed oral sex on her without any protection

I’m pretty sure you can see where this is going.

Eight months down the road she’s sick for a week. She doesn’t call me. And when she finally comes over she says “you gave me herpes.”

Apparently she got it when I was shedding the virus and didn’t know it. And going down on her did an oral to genital transmission. I was her very first sex partner and I’d basically scarred her for life. We broke up and it shook me for a while. It shook me pretty hard.

I only really started not feeling guilty everyday when I saw on facebook a few months back that she’s happy in a relationship now and seems to be doing okay.

But immediately after, I ended up going back to an ex who I knew had HSV1 and I think I stayed with her for the next six months as a default position just to not have to face dating other people and trying to figure out how to deal with this. Unfortunately we were just as wrong for each other the second time and broke up again. And now, after a respectable distance, I’m ready to date again.

Only I’m not sure what the protocol is here. When is a good time to tell someone this? After the first date? Before the first kiss? Before sex? Do I stop performing oral sex? Am I overreacting? I don’t know how to go forward her and I’d like some advice.

worried for both of us

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:40:30 -0800

I'm a boy. She's a girl. Herpes question. She gets cold sores. I don't and never have. At my age, I probably have HSV-1 anyways, and some of my previous partners would get cold sores. Blood tests for both of us came back negative for HSV-2.

What are the normal, reasonable precautions for us to take? So far, she doesn't give me BJ's when her tongue "tingles." Should we use condoms, too? Dental dams? Condoms and dental dams? Condoms and dental dams and antivirals?

Should I be concerned about a casual fling with someone with herpes? (NSFW-ish)

Anonymous — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:38:26 -0800

Should I be concerned about a casual fling with someone with herpes? (NSFW-ish) I'm exploring casual sex relationships, and the polyamorous / open relationship lifestyle. I met someone who seems like a good fit for a fling (sane, safe, tests for STDs frequently etc.), and we get along well. However they disclosed that they have herpes (oral and genital), although has not trnasmitted to their partner over the past 7+ years due to prophylactic Valtrex use daily.

I'm new to this, and I am negative for both HSV types. I've read arguement that fear over HSV is more a puritanical issue -- so this makes me question if I should not be so worried about casual encounters with HSV+ partners, too. I didn't plan on using condoms for oral sex, just of anal/vaginal.

How communicable is Herpes during incubation period?

Anonymous — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:16:59 -0800

How herpes is infectious during the incubation period? I had sex with someone who has herpes. Then I had sex with someone else within 24 hours. Condoms were used twice, but I know that are not 100% effective when it comes to herpes. I take showers twice and washed carefully between myself, where nothing else on my skin surface is a problem.

This happened recently, so I do not know if I'm still infected, Herpes has a period of 4-7 days of incubation first first symptoms appear.

It is infectious during the first few days or so?

Do not worry, I have the communication, shitting-my-pants, and I-am-a-bastard-idiot of this situation under control, I just have not been able to find the answer to this particular issue.

Thank you.

Do I have herpes or what?

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:09:12 -0800

I know you are not my doctor, but... I have had three outbreaks of something in the last four years, which could be herpes, but so far all the tests say it's not. Any other ideas what I might have? Much much Four years ago, I noticed some discomfort in my vaginal area. It felt dry and a little painful. I thought maybe my boyfriend had cut me with a rough fingernail or something, and didn't really think much of it. A couple days later, I realized I'd developed some small white sores on my labia. They looked like ulcers you might get in your mouth. On each side, there seemed to be one main one and then a scattering of smaller ones around it. At this point I realized it was more than just a cut, and went to the gyno right away, taking an appointment with a guy who was not my regular doctor. The doctor took one look and said it was definitely herpes, sent a swab test off to the lab, and gave me prescriptions for Valtrex and some ointment.

I broke the news to my boyfriend who was so good and supportive about it. He was the only person I'd been with in the last three years, though I'd had three partners before him. He went to his own doctor for a blood test, even though he'd never had any symptoms of herpes. A couple days later I called in for the results of the culture they'd taken, and... it was negative for herpes?! My boyfriend's results were also negative.

A year or so later, I got the same discomfort and sores again. Once again I went to the gyno, seeing my regular doctor this time. She took a look and said it didn't look like herpes at all, and she didn't know why the first doctor had said that. She took another swab culture, which again came back negative.

Just to make double-sure, I got a blood test a few months later after my regular check-up, which also was negative for herpes. So nobody could tell me what I have, but it's not herpes, and I went on with my life.

Last week my husband (same guy - we've since gotten married) and I both came down with the flu. About two days into being sick, I noticed that same feeling I had with previous outbreaks of whatever I have. This time there is one main sore on the right side of my labia, and a smaller one directly opposite it on the left side. The second day was the worst, and they've been improving every day since then and are now almost gone.

Ever since my first (mis)diagnosis, I have read and learned a lot about herpes. From what I've read, there's arguments for and against whatever I have being herpes:

FOR:
- I could have it without transmitting it to my (now) husband, because it's easier for women to contract.
- This last outbreak occurred during a time my immune system was weakened.

AGAINST:
- Sores don't look like herpes, from the photos I've seen and what my doctor said.
- It doesn't hurt to urinate - in fact, it's sort of a relief, because mostly what I feel is dryness.
- The first outbreak is supposed to be the worst and occur shortly after first contracting the virus, but my "first outbreak" was years after being with any guy who could've given it to me.
- Sores clear up in about a week - regardless of whether I use any medication or not. They don't crust or scab over, they just sort of close up.

Could what I have be herpes, even though it doesn't really look or act like herpes, and three tests have come back negative? If it's not, what could it be? My personal theory is that it's some sort of irritation (from detergent, clothing, or even latex condoms?), which leads to dryness, and then the dry labia rubbing against each other irritate each other, causing the sores, which is why they always seem to mirror each other on each side of my labia. Does this sound plausable? Any other theories? Thanks...

I have been exposed to herpes 2, info please?

Waterbear — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:16:47 -0800

Herpes. I have just found out today that a very good friend of mine just found out that he has HSV-2 (genital herpes). He has never exhibited any symptoms, apparently he is what's called an asymptomatic carrier. He found out about a month ago because his new girlfriend had an outbreak (apparently she is not an asymptomatic carrier). He did some digging and figured out he probably contracted it sometime in 2006. Unfortunately, said friend and I slept together on a drunken night (when both of us were single) in spring 2007. We did not use a condom (please, I don't need to be beaten up about this, i know).

I have had a boyfriend now for about the past year and a bit. We sleep together frequently. NEITHER of us have expressed any outbreaks (or noticeable one, at least) of the virus. Needless to say, with this news, we are both freaking out. I feel beyond awful.

I spoke to a nurse at a sexual health clinic and she told me that unless there is an outbreak and they can swab one of the sores, that blood tests are not reliable because some people have hsv-2 antibodies because they have been exposed at some point, but may not even be active carriers. She told me if i hadn't had an outbreak after over a year and 1/2 of exposure that i shouldn't worry. I'M WORRIED SICK.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of thing? What should I be doing? I have an appointment on Friday to speak with my doctor. I feel so awful that I could have infected my boyfriend too. Please, if anyone can give me any info that woudl be great.

NOTE: I have no way of knowing if the friend was having an 'outbreak' at the time we slept together because he does not exhibit symptoms.

A relationship when one partner has HSV2?

Anonymous — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:11:44 -0800

So, I've been in three long term relationships, and while I'm not quite a blushing virgin, now that I'm dating, I'm realizing that I'm quite possibly a bit more naïve than most. I've been on a few dates with a really wonderful man, and he's disclosed that he has herpes. Nothing has happened yet that would put me at risk, but I'm trying to figure out what this means. I know nothing about herpes except what I've learned online in the last few days of research. I know that means that he needs to stay wrapped during all sexual activities, and no sexual contact during a flare up. I understand that just because there's no symptoms doesn't mean that he's not shedding, and that there are some drugs that can be taken daily that may reduce flare ups and possibly cut down on the shedding. I've found some references to a vaccine for women, but all of those mentions seem to be a few years old. Obviously, I should go somewhere and get tested myself, just so I know where I'm starting from, and also talk to the doctor/nurse/technician there about information and options.

But I'd like to know what other things I should be asking about, and what my real risks are of contagion are. And I'd also like to know if there are any down sides of taking the suppresant, and if so, are they worth it? Any real information you have on being in a relationship with someone who has herpes would vastly useful.

welcome to the consequences.

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:52:20 -0800

I'm worried that I have genital herpes. I don't have any lesions, but I know that's not conclusive, and it's going to be a long, long time until a clear antibody test is definitive. How can I stay sane until then? (You are neither my doctor nor my shrink; I have done my Google reading. ) Twelve days ago, guy comes over to stay for a long weekend. We have five days of crazy, awesome sex. It's been seven days since then.

This evening, the guy calls me and tells me that he likely has genital herpes. He was asymptomatic when we had sex; I believe him when he says that he had no idea. He's a decent guy, and more to the point, right now, during this long, painful freakout, I'm not really interested in apportioning blame. We both had lapses in judgment.

When we were having that crazy, awesome vaginal or anal sex, outside of two very brief intervals in the vagina, he used a condom. He performed oral sex on me, briefly, without a dam. I gave him extensive oral sex, though he never ejaculated or came close to ejaculating. (We were into the crazy, awesome vaginal and anal sex. It felt like love, OK? And I know, I know. As mentioned above. Major lapse of judgment. Wrap it up all the time. Believe me, I have learned my lesson.)

Since then, I definitely have not had any lesions. Four days after the last sex we had, I had some dry genital regions, followed by itching and some burning when I peed, but I wrote it off on account of the time of month/having had sex for the first time in three years. I have a bump on my lower back that I'd put down to a bizarre mosquito bite, despite the fact that I live in a mid-Atlantic city, and it's getting a bit cold. I haven't had any flu symptoms, though the glands in my neck are a little swollen. That might be because of allergy season, though. I get cold sores, though I don't have any now, so I understand thus, HSV-1 in the oral area.

From what I understand, even if I don't get lesions down there, I'm going to need clear IgG antibody tests twelve to sixteen weeks out from the last date of possible transmission in order to really know. I'm also given to understand that antibody tests starting from a month might be good indicators, but aren't nearly as conclusive as the ones twelve to sixteen weeks out.

Help me stay sane until February.

[ethicsfilter] two of my friends are getting it on. one of them has herpes. should I tell the other?

krautland — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:34:54 -0800

[ethicsfilter] two of my friends are getting it on. one of them has herpes. should I tell the other? two of my friends, one very close and the other a little more than an acquaintance, are interested in each other. just to distinguish them I am going to call them 'acquaintance' and 'friend.' I happen to know the acquaintance has herpes.*

the friend keeps talking about the acquaintance and how flirtations are progressing. we are having more or less daily conversations about this and the friend is naturally excited. I am frequently asked for opinions, details and tips concerning acquaintance, if not outright help. I have reason to believe this is getting somewhere fast but don't wish to speculate about how serious they are.

I am conflicted about violating the privacy of acquaintance in order to be a friend to friend. were I friend, I'd hope my friend was watching out for me. were I acquaintance, I'd probably feel pretty violated were someone else to share such information without my consent.**

the acquaintance does not know I am aware of the romance or the extraordinary circumstances that concern me and my conversations with the friend lead me to believe that this issue has not been discussed. I do not think I am in a position to approach the acquaintance about this at all and suggesting otherwise is most likely not going to help me much.

the only two options I do see are either to tell the friend or keep quiet.***

which is the ethical option for me to take?

*I am not speculating but have no further details.
**this of course is assuming I'd know someone had talked but I'm sure you get my point.
***there may be a third option. suggest away as long as it does not force me to address the acquaintance about this.

Can I get a Valtrex prescription although I don't know if I have herpes?

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:49:25 -0800

Can I get a Valtrex prescription although I don't know if I have herpes? Last Saturday I had sexual contact. Yesterday I started feeling tender in an area near my waist. There is a kind of muscle ache below the surface. The skin is very sensitive to any kind of touch or abrasion, and feels a little bit warm, although it looks normal. I am worried that this could be the "prodrome" before a first herpes outbreak; it's possible that my partner is carrying genital HSV1.

I gather that there's no way a doctor could tell yet whether I have herpes. But I'm wondering, can I get a course of Valtrex just in case? Will a doctor prescribe one in the absence of more definitive symptoms? I understand that it is supposed to make outbreaks more manageable, and that the earlier you take it the better, so I don't want to wait until I get a full-blown outbreak.

Thanks for any advice. Throwaway email address at tinglywaist@yahoo.com.

peace of mind 404

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:49:41 -0800

You are not my doctor, but your input is appreciated. Does the wife have herpes? She's my first, I'm her second. It's been 4 years since she was with someone else. This is the first flair-up/outbreak/occurrence. Everything online says first herpes outbreak 2-20 days after infection. She went to the gyno this morning with bumps on her labia. Doc said it may be herpes. Popped something for lab work. Help the wife sleep tonight. Everything we can find online says that the first outbreak should occur within 2-20 days of infection. It's been 4 years since she was with someone other than me. We've only been having sex since the wedding early this month. We've been orally active for 3 years.

Everything we've read about side effects/concurent symptoms of an outbreak, such as headaches, muscle aches, fever, swollen lymph nodes, burning while urinating, she has none of those.

A plausible alternative; being new at sex, there were some issues with lubrication. I'm also above average length and girth so there was some tearing. I have a "dermatitis" on my fingers that occasionally will have sores full of puss that look remarkable like what is on her labia. With the friction burned/exposed skin and my fingers being used for forplay, it might be whatever that is.

She orginally thought it was a staph infection, the orignal bumps reminded her of her bumps when she had a staph infection in her armpit a few years back.

Thanks for your input..

Am I Catwoman?

misha — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:46:45 -0800

My kitten, after being neutered, developed an upper respiratory infection, I took him to the vet, and it turned out he had feline herpes. The feline herpes and human herpes virus strains are different and cats cannot transmit this to humans and vice versa--at least according to all the reading and research I have done. And yet, for the last two weeks when my cat was sick, I have had a nasty case of shingles (yes, I was diagnosed, and it is definitely shingles). So, I'm asking, could these illnesses be related in some way, or is this completely a huge coincidence? A little more background:
My kitten is an indoor kitten.
I spend most of my time chauffering my kids to and from school and writing from home, so I haven't been around a lot of people, but of course my children could bring something home from school.
My kids, though, have both been vaccinated against chicken pox (if that even means anything--of course, I had chicken pox as a kid).

Herpes in the Liver. Possible and how?

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:27:08 -0800

STD question The question setup: Person is male and as genital herpes. Person B is female and does not.

Has anyone heard of a situation in which person A comes in contact with person B, and passes the disease to person B, but instead of the herpes going to work in the genitals as one would expect, it attacks the liver without ever showing symptoms in the genitals?

Is this possible and why would it attack the liver rather than the genitals?

Herpes schmerpes

Anonymous — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:57:26 -0800

Boy meets girl. Boy falls for girl. Girl tells boy she has genital herpes (type 1). Boy says that's OK, I want to be with you. Now boy wants advice on safety. She tells me that she has roughly 1 outbreak per year, usually fairly mild. She also tells me that she has never, to her knowledge, passed it on to a partner, and she has been in long term relationships where they were having unprotected sex.

I know that, obviously, wear condoms. I also know that condoms are not 100%. But what about other acts: digital penetration, oral sex, analingus? I've had cold sores before (last one was maybe 4 years ago, before that it had been at least 3-4 years) so I assume I have orally the same type she has genitally and that dental dams are probably unnecessary (can I be tested for oral herpes in the absence of symptoms?). I just want to make sure that it doesn't spread to any weird parts of my body or hers. Advice?

Cheap herpes blood tests in NYC?

Anonymous — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:59:07 -0800

My partner and I want to get herpes blood tests -- the cheaper, the better -- in New York. We aren't interested in opinions on whether having the test is advisable.

NYC offers free STD testing -- but only for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis C. Not herpes.

Through my student health center, I can get the blood test for $160. I consider this unfortunately high for me, and my partner isn't a student. We don't have insurance that covers the test.

Again, we're looking for a blood test, not a swab test. A type-specific test would be great, although we recognize its limitations and realize it wouldn't tell us the site of infection.

We've heard HerpeSelect (of Focus) and Captia (of Trinity Biotech) recommended as more accurate, with fewer false negatives. Providers that offer these tests would be extra-super-ideal, but obviously, we'll take what we can get.

We'll go anywhere accessible by public transport.

I'm sorry if I sound stiff or cold -- I'm just trying to discourage derailing with opinions of whether the test is worthwhile. We are well-informed and we know we want the test, the question is just where. Thank you guys very much!

Does an effective feline herpes vaccine exist>

Izzy — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:44:20 -0800

Is there, or is there not, a feline herpes vaccine? One of our cats has herpes and he's now given it to another one of our cats. Before we bring a new kitten into the house (yes, we're cat people--so sue us!), we want to make sure that we don't pass on the virus to another cat. Our vet says that a vaccine for feline herpes does not exist, but I've read conflicting information on the Web.

Does Virulite work?

Lezzles — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:30:58 -0800

Has anyone tried Virulite, the anti-cold sore device? Does it work?