Acting Rash-edly - Dr. Dick

Acting Rash-edly

Dear Dr. Dick,

Can I get shingles from sex? I'm trippin' cause my former sweetheart had shingles back in September--and I know shingles is a form of herpes. I've been checking my jewels and lips 24/7, but as far as I can tell, I haven't seen anything. I'm really worried about shingles, but I'm ready to mingle. Any info is much appreciated. Thanks Dr. D!

- Anonymous 

Dear Anonymous,

Put your pretty head at ease. While Shingles IS one of the herpes viruses, it's NOT the same form of virus that causes genital herpes or oral herpes.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster), is actually caused by the chicken pox virus (Varicella Zoster). When a person gets the chicken pox, the virus never leaves the body. It lies dormant (asleep), and can reactivate years later, causing shingles. I like to think of it as a "viral resurrection."

SYMPTOMS

Shingles typically causes a painful rash in a small area on one side of the face or body--and can occur with headache, upset stomach, and chills. It can also affect the eye and cause vision-loss. Most people get just one outbreak of symptoms in their lifetime, but rarely, a person can have a second or third.

People with compromised immune systems are more likely to get shingles; have shingles that affect larger areas of skin; or have multiple outbreaks of shingles. Folks who are diagnosed with shingles should get tested for HIV infection since shingles can be an early sign of HIV infection.

GET POKED

The risk for shingles starts to increase at around age 50, but you can reduce your risk by getting the shingles vaccine. The vaccine provides about 50% protection against getting shingles; is available to people aged 50 and over; and is recommended for people aged 60 and older. It's even recommended that people who've had a shingles outbreak get the vaccine to help prevent more outbreaks.

HIV INFECTION & THE SHINGLES VACCINE

People with HIV infection and low CD4 counts should not get the shingles vaccine. People with HIV who have high CD4 counts should talk with their medical provider about the risks and benefits of the vaccine, and if it's a good option for them.

SHINGLES IS NOT AN STD

To answer your question: NO, shingles isn't a sexually transmitted disease, and it doesn't cause genital or oral herpes. But, a person who hasn't had chicken pox or the chicken pox vaccine can get chicken pox from touching a shingles blister. Chances are though, you've already had chicken pox. Studies show that over 99% of Americans aged 40 and older have been exposed to the virus.   

HERPES & SEX

The herpes viruses that you've been stressing about are Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2). As a rule, doctors use to say that HSV-1 caused cold sores, while HSV-2 caused genital herpes. However, it's know known that HSV-1 can also infect the genital area, and HSV-2 can infect the mouth. In MSM (Men who have Sex with Men), HSV-1 is a common cause of genital herpes. 

HSV-1 and 2 are spread through oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who has one or both of the viruses. Typical symptoms are one or more blisters on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth. The blisters break and leave painful sores that can take weeks to heal. Folks who have HSV-2 often get a fever, body aches, or swollen glands when they are first infected. Some people never have symptoms, while others have repeated blister outbreaks over the course of their lifetime.

KEEP COVERAGE ON-HAND

Even when someone with HSV-1 or HSV-2 has no symptoms, they can still pass the virus--because the virus can hang out on the skin in the genital and anal area, and on the mouth. Condoms and oral barriers like dams provide the most coverage and protection against skin-to-skin contact that can spread herpes. Check out my article Mouthing Off, for more oral sex safety tips.   

People who have HSV-2 can also reduce the likelihood of transmitting HSV-2 to a partner, by taking antiviral medications. Antivirals can also make outbreaks less painful and happen less often.

GET TESTED

The only way to know for sure if you have HSV-1 or 2 is to get tested by a medical provider. The best way to make a diagnosis is to see a medical provider when you are having an outbreak and have them test a swab taken from a sore.  There are also blood tests for HSV-1 and 2, but they aren't usually a standard part of the STD test panel, so be sure to ask for them. 

This was just a herpes snapshot, so stay tuned for my Herpes Special next month. I hope that I shed some light on your rash of questions. In good health,

-Dr. Dick

 

 

 

 

 

 

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