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Question:
was exposed to herpes,tested,negative,do i have to wait 6 months and be tested again to be sure i am not infected. would you advise me regarding if i should have sexual contact during this time.

Answer:
by Yvonne Fulbright:
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Because you tested negative for herpes, there is a good chance that you did not acquire the virus. There is also good chance, however, that you are simply a carrier and can pass the virus along to other people. There is no set time frame for getting retested for herpes once you have been exposed. If you are a carrier, you may still never test positive. You can certainly be sexually active until the next time you choose to get tested. In wanting to protect your partner(s), it would be a good idea to use protection - a latex condom or dental dam - which can help to reduce transmission, and to inform your partner of the fact that you were exposed. Thank you for visiting the Sexual Health Network. Yvonne K. Fulbright, MS.Ed.

Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology

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