How to Prevent Herpes Re-infections | Tips To Reduce Your Risk.

by Richard M
(N. Charleston SC USA)

I am still in the process of taking my Lectroject treatment. I have two questions:

Q: Please explain again paragraph, that begins with " you will not experience any ....." Under the heading AFTERWARDS-THE PCR-DNA HERPES TESTS. Are you saying that because, if successful, I will not have the herpes virus, but also will not have the anti-bodies to protect me against re-infection?

Q: Somewhere I thought I read that in 90 days my system would replenish these antibodies. What steps do you take in the meantime to reduce the risk of re-infection?

Answer
The PCR test tracks viral DNA. A negative PCR DNA test result means that no viral DNA was detected. No viral DNA means no virus = no disease. Unlike the IgM/IgG blood tests the PCR DNA test does not track anti-bodies.

The anti-bodies are produced by the immune system and are there to protect you for some time. The length of time that antibodies remain in the blood varies greatly from one person to another. Factors to be considered are repeated exposure to the virus, stress, even unrelated diseases which can affect the body's immune system.

"Can you ever produce a negative IgM/IgG result again?" The answer is yes, if you take the blood test no sooner than 90 days after completion. We found that 90 days is the normal time frame it takes for the immune system to change and the antibodies to return to normal. I repeat: If the treatment was successful it shouldn't be possible to transmit the disease no.

Tips to reduce your risk for genital herpes re-infection:

Use a condom every time you have sex.

Ask your partner if he or she has ever had a sexually transmitted disease.

Ask your partner about his or her sexual history.

Limit the number of sexual partners you have.

Don't have sex with a partner who has sores on his or her genitals.

Don't receive oral sex from somebody with a cold sore.

Ask your partner to be tested for genital herpes.

Don't have sex while intoxicated.

Abstain from sex until you have a life-long monogamous partner.

Try alternate forms of sexual intimacy.