Is HSV1 Infection Transmitted While On Valtrex?

Posted on Sat, 11 Jun 2016

Question: I have HSV1 in genital area. I had a small lesion recently adn satrted taking valtrex twice a day. I took it for 6 days and had sex with my boyfriend using a condom - what is possibility I gave it to him? I also touched myself, wiped my hand then 10-15 minutes later touched his penis. Is it possible I passed it to him this way???

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
very low risk of hsv through sex. no risk through hands

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist and venereologist). I have gone through your query and i have noted your concern.

Unprotected sex does carry a risk of transmission of hsv. However the risk of tranmission is less if there are no visible lesions of genital herpes and if the patient recently took antivirals. Since you took valtrex for 6 days prior to sexual contact which would have most likely healed the sore by that time therefore there is a very low risk of transmission to your boyfriend.
Secondly, hsv does not survive on dried surfaces for more than a few seconds so it is not possible that you could have passed on infection by touching his penis.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 hours later)

ok thank you. My lesion had not completely healed though but was definitely healing :( there was no puss or crust or anything, but he wore a condom and there was absolutely no skin to skin contact. I think I had a discharge too... I may have used antivirals twice a day for just less than 6 days as I previously said... it may have been more like 4-5 days maybe... but no less than this. If this is the case is your answer still be the same?

I understand I could not have past it through my hands as I had wiped my fingers and waited numerous minutes before touching him.

I'm just paranoid and feel very bad.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Protected sex without direct contact is safe

Detailed Answer:
Hi. I apologise for delay in my reply.

If the sex was protected and if you are sure there was no direct skin to skin contact durung intercourse then there is no risk.

Regards

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar