What Can Herpes Be Mistaken For

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Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores and Genital Herpes)

What Is Herpes? Herpes simplex refers to a group of viruses that infect humans. Like herpes zoster (shingles, see Fact Sheet 509 ), herpes simplex causes painful skin eruptions. Itching and tingling are usually the first signs, followed by a blister that breaks open. The infection stays dormant in nerve cells. This is called "latency." However, it can become active again with no warning. Herpes can be active without symptoms or visible signs....

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Mistakenly took 2 doses?

One night last week I laid down to take a nap. I woke up later that evening and I couldn't remember if I had taken my meds, so I took my usual evening dose of 4 kaletra and 1 truvada, but now I think I might have taken 2 doses that night....

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Taking an extra dose of an HIV medication on occasion is generally well tolerated and should not be a major issue (including with Kaletra+ Truvada). An extra dose of your regimen might trigger a little extra stomach/gut upset but should be OK. A... Read more »

mistaken diagnosis

i was misdiagnosed with cmv and was prescribe high doses of vancyclovir for three weeks. After three weeks i got a second opinion from a eye specialist in hiv infestions. after looking into my eyes he found no traces of cmv retinitis, and medication...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

My advice is to find an HIV experienced user friendly HIV doc to help you steer through your illness and to help minimize future medical mishaps. Hope you can recover from all of that OK and do well with your HIV meds. KH... Read more »

Herpes and HIV (Recurrent Herpes Outbreaks)

I contracted herpes approx. 4-5 months ago and I've had recurrent outbreaks ever since. They heal within 1-2 weeks, but I get another one right away. The only time I seem to be somewhat free of the herpes is during my period. I was tested...

Response from Rick Sowadsky, M.P.H.

Nevada State Health Division AIDS Program

Faith,Thank you for your question. It is unlikely that your frequent herpes outbreaks are HIV related. This is because:1) There is no evidence thus far, that you are infected with HIV.2) Recurrent herpes outbreaks associated with HIV do not... Read more »

HIV risk from oral sex when you have Herpes, "Herpes via oral sex"

I (male) got herpes 1 and 2 via having oral with a pro. Used a condom during oral too. Did not continue any other sex. What are the chances of infecting with HIV?...

Response from Erik Glenn, M.A.

Chicago Black Gay Mens Caucus

Thanks for the question,Doesn't sounds like you were at risk for HIV from what you're describing. Having herpes <b>only</b> makes a difference if you have open sores. These open sores end up being a way for HIV to get in the... Read more »

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Can HIV antibodies cross react in a herpes test

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Hi folks,
I am wondering if HIV antibodies can be mistakenly be picked up by HSV-2 IgG ELISA. This may cause false positive for HSV-2. ELISA (even for HSV-2) being a more sensitive test as compared to specific has been always known to throw in false... Read more »