Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.I think my question is very simple, or maybe not? Is it possible for an adult male in his mid-thirties to have herpes zosters outbreak twice in a two year span and not be HIV positive?
The reason I ask is because I have been in this situation. Each time it freaked me out and I went and got tested. It is my understanding that in a man my age herpes zosters breakouts don't happen unless there is something like HIV present. Every time that I have tested for HIV the test has been negative. I just don't understand why I would be having recurring herpes zosters breakouts if I'm negative? Could genital herpes be a factor in triggering herpes zosters breakouts?
Ross Slotten, M.D.
Klein and Slotten Medical Associates
Private Practice in Family Medicine
With a special interest in HIV disease
Although it is rare to have multiple outbreaks of shingles during one's life, it happens and I've seen it, both in HIV positive people and HIV negative people. Having shingles does not mean that one is HIV positive; however, people who are HIV positive sometimes have more severe or more frequent outbreaks than those who are HIV negative.
I'd believe your HIV tests. I assume you've seen a doctor for both outbreaks-- if not, you should consult your physician to make sure that you do indeed have shingles.
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