Question:
Hello -

I contracted Herpes (type 2) about 2 weeks ago. I am still going through my initial outbreak and am new to all of this, so some advice and help would be greatly appreciated.

1. I had an outbreak that started healing, then I got a slight fever, headache, muscle aches, and another outbreak a few days later. As soon as my outbreak started the other symptoms went away. Is this normal?

2. I love to hike and climb mountains. I often hike/climb for 10 hours at a time. Will this cause OBs for me now?

3. I want to get into road bike racing and eventually ride across the country. Will sitting on a bike saddle and riding hard cause OBs?

Thanks!

Answer:
Sorry! I should clarify that the location of my OBs is around my anus. Not fun to say the least!

Answer:
Well, I don't know about the bike riding. All that continuous pressure and friction may not be a positive thing.

I do know though, that I have a very active job (on my feet moving all day long) and I work out with weights and resistance machines about 4 or 5 times a week, and that hasn't affected my ob's. It's something I was used to before and just continued. So, if you're used to rigorous hiking, I wouldn't think that would affect you adversely. In fact, since it's something you're body is accustomed to, it seems it would be good for you to keep it up, as long as you're not run down by an ob at the time.

And about the headache, fever and aches dissipating when the ob sets in, those are prodomal (pre-outbreak) symptoms, and it's common for them to go away when the actual ob materializes. You are probably contagious at that stage, though, so best to be aware of that.

Sorry I couldn't help out more with the bike issue. Maybe we have some bike riders here who could help you out with that. If you have any other questions or issues, though, jump in anytime. And welcome.

Answer:
Thank you for the response Writercll! It is definitely reassuring to hear that working out hasn't had a negative impact on you. I guess my biggest concern is going to be the bike riding. Well... I take that back, that isn't my biggest concern. My biggest concern is how much am I going to have to change my lifestyle?! I've been doing a lot of reading on here and I now have more questions:

1. I frequently attend and also plan charity events with friends where alcohol is involved. I really enjoy being a social drinker and have also wanted to get into wine as a hobby. Now it sounds like I can't drink alcohol. Is this true?

2. Apparently travel adds stress which in turn causes OBs? Great! I LOVE to travel and I want to find a job that requires international travel. Am I going to have to worry about Herpes and OBs preventing me from doing this?

3. I don't currently have health insurance. Is this going to prevent me from getting health insurance?

4. I've read posts that it is pretty much okay to swim in pools, but what about exposure to fresh water such as while whitewater rafting or kayaking?

I'm sooo afraid that many things I love to do or have been wanting to pursue or no longer options for me :(.

Answer:
I don't think anyone here can really answer you on those points (except maybe the health insurance point, but i have no experience). The biggest thing about OBs is they're unique to the person and the situation. No one here can tell you if your bike riding or drinking or activities will cause OBs. (although i've got a great picture of that commercial with the two people going hiking or whatever...)

OBs are unique for each person, and you'll hear a lot of people here talk about their "trigger". The trigger is different for everyone, and until you figure out what your trigger is, you don't need to give up everything. And even if you DO find your trigger, there are things you can do to stop or slow down an OB when it starts (ice worked well for me). All i can recommend is that you continue to swim, bike, drink, etc, until you figure out if any of those are causing you OBs. If they are, then you'll have to reevaluate and determine the best course of action to avoid having OBs or reduce the symptoms to a livable level while you enjoy your activities.

Personally, i'm a social drinker as well. I think i got this at a time when my immune system was low (i was REALLY intoxicated), but i've been drinking since and it hasn't caused an OB. For me, so far it seems like my cycle is my trigger, but i've avoided at least 1 OB with ice.

Keep reading and keep asking, but don't be surprised if people here can't give you a "yes" or "no" answer to your specific questions... it's not that we don't want to, it's just that we CAN'T!