Question 1

why is it that some people have highly recurring outbreaks of herpes (2), while others only have a couple or never even have an outbreak/symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Herpes: germ vs host: People are different, so too germs are different (we call that virulence). Outbreaks of disease therefore can have quite some variability. In other words, some people are just more susceptible to certain germs whereas others are not. It's the way God made them. Then, u have some strains of germs that are just more nasty than others. To try and overcome all this, we can try to "tune up" the patient

Question 2

so what are the symptoms of getting a herpes outbreak?

Accepted Answer

Pain, sores: There is usually tingling, burning or itching with soreness followed by blister like lesions that become very painful open sores.  Sometimes you may only have vaginal discharge without lesions on the outside. In severe outbreaks there can be difficulty urinating, fever, joint pain and general body aches.  If you think you are having symptoms, see your physician.

Question 3

on average, how long will a herpes outbreak last and what are the symptoms?

Accepted Answer

2-3 weeks: The earliest symptoms of herpes zoster, which include headache, fever, and malaise, are nonspecific. These symptoms are commonly followed by sensations of burning pain, itching, hyperesthesia, or paresthesia .The pain may be mild too extreme in the affected area , with sensations that are often described as stinging, tingling, aching, numbing or throbbing pain.

Question 4

can i use a zinc ointment on my herpes outbreak to relive symptoms?

Accepted Answer

May or may not help: There are some non-medical "treatments" such as lysine that may lower the frequency of outbreaks, and some over-the-counter medications that can help with healing of cold sores. There are usually only a handful of research studies on each product, which doesn't mean much in the medical world. A patient can collect information and visit his doctor to see if any of the "treatments" are worth trying.

Question 5

just found out have antibodies for herpes never had an outbreak or symptoms why is that?

Accepted Answer

Immune response: You were exposed to the herpes virus at some point (most people are). When that occurs, plasma cells in your blood create antibodies, which are chains of proteins that help your immune response mount a more effective defense if you are exposed again by binding to the virus. Immune cells then recognize the antibody coated invaders and attempt to destroy them.

Question 6

can reoccuring herpes outbreak cause cold symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes. However its is very often the other way around. You get a cold, it lowers your immune system and then you get a cold sore.

Question 7

how can i tell if i am about to or starting to have a herpes outbreak? are there pre symptoms or indicators?

Accepted Answer

Prodrome: Some patients experience a tingling sensation prior to the blister eruption.  This is due to the stimulation of the neurons by the emerging virus.

Question 8

hi. i am experiencing a herpes outbreak - 1st one in 2 yrs. i work weird hours and probably will not be able to order & pickup a prescription until tomorrow, which will be over 48 hours since initial symptoms, which wouldn't make it very effective. i do h

Accepted Answer

Probably too late: Sorry to hear about your outbreak. You don't say whether it's oral or genital, but that probably doesn't matter. Unfortunately, you are correct that it's pretty much useless to start anti-herpes treatment more than 2 days after start of an outbreak. unless it is unusually severe, e.g. if new blisters/sores are continuing to appear. At ths point, just keep the area clean and dry.

Question 9

i had an outbreak of herpes in may.my gyno tested me for hiv & syphilis-it was negative. why are symptoms of herpes-hiv the same? should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

Genital herpes: Is caused by a virus.  You may find that this will be helped by taking a supplement of the amino acid lysine.  I suggest that you research this for yourself.

Question 10

if a person was told that they had a low positive for herpes but never had symptoms or an outbreak. is it possible for the person to not have it? and how can you test for herpes with no outbreak or blood test?

Accepted Answer

Can not: Both oral and genital herpes can shed virus without outbreaks, it may not be feasible to culture the virus without an outbreak.  Most adults have been and are presumed to be infected with oral herpes, with or without an outbreak or blood test. Genital herpes can be diagnosed at the time of outbreak and by blood test.
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Doctor answers about:

Herpes symptoms before outbreak

A member asked:

Why is it that some people have highly recurring outbreaks of herpes (2), while others only have a couple or never even have an outbreak/symptoms?

A member asked:

So what are the symptoms of getting a herpes outbreak?

A member asked:

On average, how long will a herpes outbreak last and what are the symptoms?

A member asked:

Can i use a zinc ointment on my herpes outbreak to relive symptoms?

A member asked:

Just found out have antibodies for herpes never had an outbreak or symptoms why is that?

A member asked:

Can reoccuring herpes outbreak cause cold symptoms?

A member asked:

How can i tell if i am about to or starting to have a herpes outbreak? are there pre symptoms or indicators?

A member asked:

Hi. i am experiencing a herpes outbreak - 1st one in 2 yrs. i work weird hours and probably will not be able to order & pickup a prescription until tomorrow, which will be over 48 hours since initial symptoms, which wouldn't make it very effective. i do h

A member asked:

I had an outbreak of herpes in may.my gyno tested me for hiv & syphilis-it was negative. why are symptoms of herpes-hiv the same? should i be worried?

A member asked:

If a person was told that they had a low positive for herpes but never had symptoms or an outbreak. is it possible for the person to not have it? and how can you test for herpes with no outbreak or blood test?

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