Question:
I once had someone tell her that there are different strains oh HIV. Thinking on this i wondered if that was the case, are there different strains of herpes. By straing i dont mean type 1 or 2 i mean one strain that is nasty amd causes bad outbreaks or constant outbreaks or a strain that is weak enough that is rarely rears its ugly head. I know that everyone has different immune systems, i just think its interesting reading these forums how different our outbreaks are and i wondered if this was one of the reasons why. If this is the case is it possible to be with someone who also has type 2 herpes, but has a stronger strain then you, can you get their stronger strain? so your outbreaks can become more frequent or worse? Just curious :D

Answer:
The simplex viruses are strand 1 and 2 (hsv1 and hsv2) and within those strands there are different strains of the virus that have mutated over time (probably centuries) some are more virulent than others especially in their preferred locations. You can be reinfected from a new partner who has a different strain and your ob's can be more frequent and more severe.

Yes you are also correct about the existance of different strains of HIV. Oprah did a show on HIV and you can probably find a copy of it. She interviewed a panel of women infected with HIV and they discussed the fact that you can get reinfected and the new strain may not respond to antiviral medications.

People you also need to understand that by having HSV you are at an increased risk for infection with HIV because your immune system is compromised already. This is why it is so important to practice safe sex.