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How Is The Herpes Simplex 2 Virus Transmitted?
Question: I have a medical question about herpes simplex 2 transmission. There is a person in my life who has stated they would like our relationship to become sexual, but she divulged she has herpes simplex 2. She stated she has been taking daily Valacyclovir since she first noticed symptoms 7 years ago, and since her first outbreak she has not noticed another. She said the chance of transmission, should I wear a condom, is 1% or less. Is that true?
Brief Answer:
Valacyclovir, using a condom and avoiding sex during an episode reduce risk of transmission of hsv
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist and venerelogist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
Taking valacyclovir daily does reduce the risk of transmission of hsv 2 i.e genital herpes significantly and reliably, by reducing viral replication and viral shedding and thus it is an advisable method for reducing hsv 2 transmission between discordant heterosexual couples (i.e only one of the partner is infected with hsv 2) who regularly have sex. Moreover, using a condom regularly and correctly also reduces the risk further, in addition to the precaution of avoiding sex during an episode of genital herpes, if and whenever it occurs.
Also, the well known fact that viral shedding & transmission is greatest during an episode of herpes and less during asymptomatic phases which if reduced further by daily valacyclovir and regular use of a condom are additional measures towards reducing transmission. So she is definitely right in suggesting that the transmission risk for hsv is very low, but not Zero!! However please so not take it as if I am encouraging you to have sex with her because the surest way to avoiding Hsv 2 is not to have sex wtih an Hsv 2 infected individual.
Regards
Valacyclovir, using a condom and avoiding sex during an episode reduce risk of transmission of hsv
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist and venerelogist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
Taking valacyclovir daily does reduce the risk of transmission of hsv 2 i.e genital herpes significantly and reliably, by reducing viral replication and viral shedding and thus it is an advisable method for reducing hsv 2 transmission between discordant heterosexual couples (i.e only one of the partner is infected with hsv 2) who regularly have sex. Moreover, using a condom regularly and correctly also reduces the risk further, in addition to the precaution of avoiding sex during an episode of genital herpes, if and whenever it occurs.
Also, the well known fact that viral shedding & transmission is greatest during an episode of herpes and less during asymptomatic phases which if reduced further by daily valacyclovir and regular use of a condom are additional measures towards reducing transmission. So she is definitely right in suggesting that the transmission risk for hsv is very low, but not Zero!! However please so not take it as if I am encouraging you to have sex with her because the surest way to avoiding Hsv 2 is not to have sex wtih an Hsv 2 infected individual.
Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Answered by
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