DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve a query relating to the transmission charge of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). I had a sexual encounter with publicity to HSV-1. Regardless of being cautious, there was some contact. I defined my concern of contracting HSV-1, and my companion admitted that that they had the virus however had been on antiviral treatment for years, to the purpose the place it’s unlikely for them to transmit it (so they are saying).Nevertheless, I felt actually uneasy and scared that I’ll have contracted the virus. I received examined a number of days after publicity, and the polymerase chain response (PCR) take a look at got here again unfavourable for HSV-1 and HSV-2. However I’m conscious that I’ll probably must be examined once more. It’s now been 14 days. I’m actually freaking out about this and truly imagine I’ll have herpes. What are the possibilities that I’d? — Anon.ANSWER: Most instances of genital herpes have historically been attributable to HSV-2, however genital HSV-1 has been more and more discovered because the trigger. Twelve % of individuals aged 14-49 have HSV-2, and over half of adults have been uncovered to HSV-1. When you’ve got already been uncovered to the identical virus you may need been uncovered to 2 weeks in the past, you then shouldn’t have a concern of an infection.A short publicity and a companion on anti-herpes medicine, like acyclovir, cut back (however don’t eradicate) the danger of transmission. Utilizing a condom each time (for males, as there aren’t good knowledge on feminine condoms) additionally reduces the danger of transmission. Extra importantly, you are actually 14 days previous publicity. The standard time to develop signs after publicity to genital herpes is 4 days, however it may be in as little as two days. It shouldn’t happen after 12 days.DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve Sort 2 diabetes and attempt to keep away from extreme sugar. Nevertheless, I take advantage of numerous synthetic sweeteners. Will this be detrimental to my well being? Are pure sweeteners higher? — E.B.ANSWER: There isn’t a doubt that extra sugar is unhealthy for individuals with diabetes, and other people had been suggested for years to substitute nonnutritive sweeteners, of which there are 15 generally used ones.Nevertheless, regardless of many years of analysis, it isn’t in any respect clear that switching sugar-sweetened meals and drinks with nonnutritive sweeteners results in weight enchancment. (Quick-term, however not long-term, weight reduction was discovered.) Nonnutritive sweetener use can be related to a rise in diabetes threat. This is because of adjustments within the intestine microbiome, adjustments in gut-brain signaling and different mechanisms. So far as I do know, there isn’t a convincing good thing about utilizing pure sweetners over artificial.Many individuals discover that utterly avoiding sweeteners adjustments the best way they style meals, and I like to recommend towards sweetened drinks specifically.DR. ROACH WRITES: A latest column a couple of girl who had what gave the impression to be a coronary heart assault after shedding her husband of a few years led me to suspect takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM). My reader wrote again that an angiogram didn’t present any blockages within the coronary heart, and TCM was certainly the analysis. Just one-2% of hospital admissions for chest ache end up the be this analysis, and the prognosis is excellent, though it’s potential to have a recurrence.Extra adviceDr. Roach regrets that he’s unable to reply particular person letters, however will incorporate them within the column at any time when potential. Readers could e mail inquiries to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or ship mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.(c) 2022 North America Syndicate Inc.All Rights Reserved