HSV, worried
Hello,
I had sex with a girl 2 months b4 and I had symptoms: diarrhea, muscle pain ,joints pain, headache , back pain , skin burning ,discharge pee, and some pimples are shown.
I had a test for HIV and the Dr. said that I dont have HIV but i think i have herpes (HSV).
When can i get tested for herpes (HSV)?
I am really worried about my self, does herpes kills a person? What is the difference between Herpes (HSV) and HIV?
I saw the pic for herpes is really killing....
Hello and Thank You for using AIDS Vancouver as your source of HIV/AIDS related information.
The best way to get tested for Herpes is to get a swab test on your lesions and you can do this immediately. While both Herpes and HIV are caused by viruses and once acquired do not go away, there are many differences between them. The two main types of Herpes virus caused by the Herpes Simplex virus are HSV-1 (typically acquired orally causing cold sores) and HSV—2 (acquired during sexual contact causing blisters to the genital area). You can pass on the Herpes virus even when there are no sores present (just before an outbreak and during an outbreak). Treatment is not usually given for a Herpes outbreak, as they clear up by themselves, and Herpes does not kill people but if you are interested, there is medication you can take to help prevent or manage outbreaks. Here's a link about more information regarding Genital Herpes: http://www.avert.org/herpes.htm
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is most easily passed through unprotected sex and needle sharing. This virus attacks your lymphocytes (White blood cells that protect your body against pathogens). If an HIV infection is prolonged, AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is most often the outcome. A person is diagnosed with AIDS when an HIV+ person is unable to fight off opportunistic infections because their immune system is very weak. However, having HIV is no longer a death sentence, as there are sophisticated antiretroviral drugs that an HIV+ person takes daily to suppress the virus. It is a chronic illness but often a manageable one.
It is important to note you can most effectively protect yourself from these viruses and other STIs by using a condom correctly and consistently every time you engage in sexual activities. Please contact us if you have any more questions/concerns.
Cheers,
Elyse
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
E-mail: helpline@aidsvancouver.org
Phone (Mon-Fri 9-4pm): (604) 696-4666
Web: www.aidsvancouver.org/helpline
Disclaimer
The AIDS Vancouver Helpline is a volunteer-driven information, referral and support service related to HIV and sexual health. Volunteers are trained in active listening, HIV and sexual health information, and local resources and services. Volunteers are not doctors, nurses, or other licensed professionals. Volunteers do not give advice, and strive to provide service-users with adequate information and appropriate referrals.
Helpline volunteers uphold the agency’s confidentiality and privacy policies. Your calls, forum posts, and emails are anonymous. We welcome you to use a pseudonym or “fake name” when using Helpline services. We will not ask for or track your personal information. To ensure that the Helpline program is providing quality services, the Helpline Coordinator regularly monitors online content (forum posts and emails) and supervises volunteers who are receiving calls.
The Helpline Program should not be used in replacement of medical examination, diagnosis, advice counseling or follow-up care. We strongly recommend routine testing (HIV and STI tests) and discussing your healthcare directly with a physician.
We would love to hear from you! If you have feedback or questions related to the operations of the Helpline, please contact David at helpline@aidsvancouver.org or by calling 604.696.4666.
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