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HERPES |
From: B....
Date: 07/14/04 23:43:37
To: drgian@stdweb.com
Subject: Herpes diagnostic question?
Is there any laboratory test you can take to pinpoint the exact time (or
approximate time)
when you first contracted the disease? If so, is this an appropriate
test to use as "evidence"
against someone who knowingly gave you the disease?
Hi B
Herpes Lab tests can only tell you whether you have the virus
or antibodies to the virus. In the the first case Lab does a PCR test of a culture taken from a sore and in the
second case the lab does an ELISA test for Herpes antibodies. In both circumstances, if your are
positive, the meaning is
that you have the Herpes virus in your body. Pinpointing the time
when the virus entered your body
is quite a difficult task. However let's just say that you could produce
evidence of having received a
series of antibodies screening tests for Herpes 1 and 2, both IgM and
IgG, during the past four months
and in all those tests your results were consistently negative. Let's
also say you meet someone
tomorrow and you can prove that person is the only one with whom you had
an intense skin to skinfriction, associated or not with some exchange of body fluids such as
saliva and/or sexual intercourse.
Let's say, finally, you are willing to continue to do antibodies tests
for both Herpes 1 and 2 and you
document the appearance first of positive IgM's and later of positive
IgG's antibodies for either or both Herpes viruses (situation called becoming "Seropositive"). At that point
you could put a date and time
to the infection and use the blood tests as "evidence". Not that easy,
right? But you certainly could
have a heck of a convincing argument.
Stay well.
Dr. Gian |
From: Kal
Date: 06/22/04 14:18:12
To: dr.gian@stdweb.com
Cc:
hi my name is Kal was wondering if herpes could be mistaken for male
yeast infections.
Hi Kal
Yes
Dr.Gian |
From: Kathy
Date: 06/26/04 02:23:30
To: drgian@stdweb.com
HI DR GIAN,
I JUST FOUND OUT THAT I HAVE HERPES TYPE 1, COLD SORES. SHOULD I HAVE MY
3 YEAR OLD SON CHECKED? I UNDERSTAND THAT ANY PERSON CAN CONTRACT IT
SEXUALLY. BUT CAN ANY PERSON GET INFECTED FROM SIMPLY SHARING FOOD ,
DRINKING FROM THE SAME CUP OR GENERAL KISSES THAT DON'T INVOLVE MOUTH TO
MOUTH KISSING? I KNOW MY QUESTIONS MUST BE STUPID BUT I JUST WANT TO BE
SURE. ALSO BEING THAT I AM ONLY 2 MONTHS PREGNANT, HOW WILL THIS AFFECT
THE BABY? I ONLY KNOW ABOUT GENITAL HERPES BUT I DON'T FIT INTO THAT
CATEGORY. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
Hi Kathy
I do not think it is necessary to check your 3 year old son. During
pregnancy you OB-GYN check for Herpes to protect the newborn, Herpes is
not transmitted simply sharing food and drinking from the same cup but
yes thorough kisses and skin to skin friction. That is why type one
herpes is so common in children. Later on, however, you may want have
all your children educated about the various type of Herpes.
Be well.
Dr. Gian
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From: Kelly
To: drgian@stdweb.com
Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2004 1:45 AM
Subject: (no subject)Hi. I am an 18 year old female who has never been sexually active. I was
wondering if it is possible to contract genital herpes if I have never
been sexually active. I have a small bump that appears slightly red and
very painful to the touch. It also itches but only occasionally. I have
had this bump for a little over a week now, and it has not appeared to
get any smaller. I am concerned because this has happened atleast once
before that I can remember. If you could please help me out, and tell me
if I should get tested, I would appreciate it.
Kelly
Hi Kelly
Herpes type 1 infection ( the fever blister kind) occurs very often in
childhood and it has no relationship to sexual activity unless there is
oral to genital contact. Herpes 1 is a very common virus since it
involves almost 80% of the population. It is also possible for a person
to inoculate him/herself with the Herpes type 1 virus from point A to
point B of the body.
However is seems to me the small bump you are describing is a bacterial
infection of the hair follicles or the skin surrounding the hair. This
condition is fairly common and is known as folliculitis.
Staphylococcus aureus are the most common bacteria that cause
folliculitis. It is not known why these bacteria infect the hair
follicles. Oils, tar and grease can make one more susceptible to
folliculitis.
Tight or occlusive clothing, such as polyester, heat and sweating can
contribute to the development of folliculitis. I do not think you need
to get tested but keep your eye open and eventually check with your
Doctor.
Ciao.
Dr. Gian
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Hi Dr. Gian,
I am concerned about my health because about a week ago after
having heavy heated sex (intercourse) with my boyfriend I immediately
noticed blistering bumps at and around the opening of my vagina. Since
then it burns when using the restroom, it is constantly swollen and red,
it gets very itchy all day long especially at night, I sometimes may be
dry and other times wet, it hurts in the shower, and two days ago little
soft round sore bumps started rising and spreading. I have never had
anything like this happen to me, am I over reacting or should I go to my
doctor immediately? Me and my boyfriend do not use protection and I have
not seen my doctor for two years. In those two years I have had three
partners. Please reply soon, I'm so worried and Lost. Thank you.
Worried and Concerned
Hi Tiff,
what you describe is highly suggestive of a primary Herpes Genitalis
infection. Herpes symptoms sometimes last longer or are more severe when
a person experiences them for the first time, shortly after becoming
infected. This is called a "first episode," and it tends to be more
difficult because it's the first time one's immune system has had to
contend with herpes type 1 or with type 2. First episodes can last as
long as three or four weeks, and they sometimes involve a second
outbreak of sores. Typically, first episodes also involve flu-like
symptoms, including fever, swollen glands, and fatigue. And they can
produce other non-genital signs and symptoms. Some, for example, result
in headaches and sensitivity to light. These first episodes may also
have a sore throat from simultaneous oral herpes. If one looks one can
often see lots of small lesions on the external and internal genital
region.
At this point you should see your Doctor and have a swab taken of the
sores. If the culture is negative you should follow with a blood test
for antibodies 3-4 months down the line,
Hope this helps you.
Dr. Gian
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