Q.
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How long does it take for someone to get herpes after being raped? I was raped and two days after, I was in severe pain and had developed what the emergency doctor says is herpes. The police do not believe a sexually transmitted disease can develop that quickly and therefore think I made the rape up and do not believe me. Can you please give me some information about this? I have not had sex with anyone except my boyfriend until that night.
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A.
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You certainly could have contracted herpes from the sexual assault. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes is spread by direct contact with the rashes, sores or blisters of an infected person. Symptoms of herpes usually appear about 2 to 21 days after sexual contact with an infected person. Blisters, rashes or sores appear where the virus entered the body. Herpes can be diagnosed by physical examination and medical history. A swab of the fluid taken from the blisters or sores can be sent to a lab for testing. There is no cure for HSV. However, antiviral medication can help lessen the symptoms and the frequency of outbreaks.
Your boyfriend should be informed. The only way to prevent herpes is to avoid direct contact with the sores. Use of latex condoms during sex provides some protection for herpes.
If you have further questions and live in Ontario call the AIDS & Sexual Health InfoLine at 1-800-668-2437.
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