Question:
Hi, I am not sure if this is a sign of HSV-1 or not? I had protected sex both oral and vaginal with a woman who I had met at a night club we had kissed open mouth and after we had sex I had noticed she had a possible cold sore on her mouth. As soon as I had noticed this I went and took a shower and cleansed myself with hot water and soap both around my mouth and my genitals. I am now freaking out because I am not sure if I contacted HSV-1 or HSV-2 from her. I don't have any flu signs but I do feel a tinginling sensation not directly on my lower lip but on the outside. I am not sure if it is from just wasing my face constantly with hot water and soap, I also put hydrogen peroxide on the area because I was freaking out!, or if I have actually have been infected, I want to go and get tested a.s.a.p. with a blood test and have a physician look at the area if it is still sensitive tomorrow. Please let me know if I am freaking out!

Answer:
I can totally understand why you're freaking out. Take a deep breath, though, cuz everything will be all right...

It takes 3 months for antibodies to show up on a blood test, so you need to wait at least 3 months after exposure before getting a blood test. That said, blood tests aren't 100% accurate; if you notice blisters on your lips or mouth or genitals (did you say you only kissed her on the mouth? If that's the case you don't need to worry about genital herpes. If there was any genital contact, keep lookin') go to the doctor right away. The doc can tell if it's cold sores/Herpes, and if the sores are open he/she can do a swab test to determine if it's HSV 1 (typically aboe the waist) or HSV 2 (typicaly below the waist-but these aren't hard and fast rules). Swab tests are the most accurate tests.

Meanwhile, just try to take it easy and remember that lots of people have Herpes, so even if you do have it you're not alone. People of every race, sex, class, sexual orientation, profession, etc. have it-you're in good company if you do or if you don't have herpes.

Take a deep breath, relax, rent a funny movie, LAUGH, and forget about this virus for awhile!

Best wishes,
Christina