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@Brando 

Last reply

Brando

STDs and MS

Hi everyone, how are you all doing? I have a topic that well is a bit confronting and well a little uncomfortable to talk about. I had relations with someone who was diagnosed with genital herpes (type 2), I have come back negative thankfully. It was a bit of a close call, But my GP mentioned that all strains of Herpes can cause issues with people with MS especially during flare ups. I have looked on google and found a few articles on this, in particular the one below. https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/ms-and-herpes/ My question is do we need to be a bit more proactive to protect ourselves from STDs than most normal people. I'll be honest waiting 2 months for the incubation period then to finally have test done so they are accurate results isn't nice. I know this is something we all know very well the (waiting for results). I know this is a touchy subject but if anyone has any words of wisdom I would love to hear them. I just dont want to turn into some person that is going to have to screen every partner that I will come into contact with for STDs. Just because it has the chance of adversely affecting my own health. Thanks for reading. Brando.
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@Gijs
@Gijs
 

Short answer is - yes. I am much more careful than before when it comes to my partners and the possibility of any kind of STD. And, as a gay guy, it makes me double careful. I just refuse to deal with more conditions than I have to, simple as that. Happy that you've tested negative, tho.

@Mlgilber1
@Mlgilber1
 

I have shingles right now which is herpes zoster. It’s not the same virus that causes cold sores or genital herpes, anyone who has had the chickenpox carries the virus it just remains dormant until something triggers it. I know herpes flares are very common in people with ms and can cause a flare up so I’d be careful. I’m on ocrevus which kills off the B cells in the immune system so it’s more likely to get a herpes flare and I recently had an infusion which I’m sure triggered the shingles. A lot of things can cause a flare up or relapse, even a respiratory infection or UTI. We all have to be a bit more careful when it comes to our health since our immune systems are a bit messed up. It’s good to talk about these kinds of topics!