Question:
I think that I got infected about 5 years ago. I got my infection at the Gym but I don't know exactly how. After my swimming, I always go to the sauna and then I take a shower. The infection appeared in one of my foot. At that time I didn't suspected that I have contacted Herpes. My initial outbreak lasted few days and I didn't pay much attention. I just bought some sandals and I never went barefoot to the sauna or the common showers again. Then, I noticed that I was getting an outbreak every 3-4 months. I always thought that I was getting some kind of recurrent fungus. About 3 year ago I have a blood test for STDs and it came positive for Herpes. I was completely surprised and devastated. I had a second blood test which confirmed the first diagnosis. I still don't which type I have. I started investigating the subject and seeing the pictures that the doctor show me and there was not doubt in my mind that I got Herpes at the Gym. I know that this is very unusual. Does any of you got infected in a similar way? sauna? showers?

I still get an outbreak in my foot every 4-6 months. I also noticed that I don't get the outbreak in the same place and it have moved to one of my toes. Then, about a year ago I have an outbreak in my mouth for the first time. It lasted about 5 days. I got Denavir and it help me to heal the blister.

Now, recently I bought a new place and with all the stress and the chemical exposure cleaning my old rented apartment, I strained my hands and now I am getting an outbreak in almost all the fingers of my two hands. I don't know how is this possible. I am afraid that now I can spread it to other parts of my body. I think that I just have a very bad luck :!: I just ordered choraphor and started taking L-Lysine (1000 mg). I spent some time reading your forum. It has a great info and had help me a little.

Does any of you heard a similar story?

Answer:
Hi unlucky,

I'm new to the board and I just read your story. I know you posted it a long time ago, but hopefully you'll get my response

As far as your situation with the gym, I find it very odd to accept the fact that you contracted herpes on your feet, and it ended up spreading to your mouth and fingers.

The only way I believe this can be possible, is if when you were having an outbreak on your legs, you touched it with your finger, and unknowingly touched your mouth with it, or some other similar type of situation

Or, the thing that comes on your legs may not for sure be herpes. To make sure that's what it is, I would go get it cultured the next time it shows up, as well as the fingers.

They say 80% of Americans have HSV-1 on the mouth (in the form of a cold sore), so it can be a possibility that you've always had this (hence you testing positive for HSV).

I really hope you have solved your situation, and I'm sorry it took so long for someone to finally respond to your situation (it's sad that no one is willing to help out here anymore)

Take care,

RLG