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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Herpes Type 1 Shed Without Visible Sores, And Can Taking Acyclovir Before Intercourse Help Prevent Transmission To My Partner?

HI, AND THANK YOU IF ANYONE WILL TALK TO ME, I have a question if possible. so I am a woman that in 2004 my partner gave me herpes tipe 1-- not 2-- to my intimate part. After curing myself and being careful i did have intercorse also sometimes without protection and i told my partner of this problem. My new partner now read in 2024 some crazy things about Herpes tipe 1 and i got so afraid, i literally Cry just hearing all this and honestly i never gave this to none of my partner or my kids. We had intercorse with condom but in the info from internet it said: also the skin can release the virus (shed) from areas that do not have a visible herpes sore, so condom can not fully protect you from genital herpes. Sorry this is new to me in 2004 they did not tell me this ... so from my skin just pops out herpes like drops of sweat?? this is crazy. Not only my ex gave me the herpes intimateli but i never head it in my mouth and apparently they write it can be also there??? i know it remains dormant close to the area was taken, so in my case backbone of my tail bone lets say. I would like to give him some right information but I can not find a good one that will cover my situation. Can someone help me to address this issue? as a prevention maybe i can take acyclovir before intimate relation? would it help ? he is scared now he got it and he will pass it on to his kid...it is really devastating to hear that, I just meat him really and it makes me really sad to know he is scared of me in this way. my ex back in 2004 cheated on me and he pass it to me. I still have to pay the consequence of his wrongdoing?
Sat, 29 Mar 2025
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Don't blame yourself for everything that happened. I can see that you're truly sorry and full of regret. It's okay—let go of the overthinking and be kind to yourself. Do not try to cover things from your present partner; an open conversation is always better.

By asymptomatic viral shedding, HSV1 and HSV2 can be transmitted, even when there are no symptoms. Shedding occurs in the absence of visible sores. The virus can be active on the skin or mucous membranes (mouth, genitals) without any noticeable symptoms. Shedding can be irregular. Shedding is highest in the first 6–12 months.

Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact during outbreaks, as shedding is highest then. Get your partner tested for HSV1. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake, as it can weaken immunity. Reduce intake of processed sugar and avoid overexposure to sunlight, as HSV1 outbreaks can be triggered.

Taking Acyclovir before intercourse may reduce viral activity, but it works best when taken daily rather than just before exposure. Taking Acyclovir daily as suppressive therapy can lower the risk of transmission to a partner by 50%. To boost immunity, take antioxidants and probiotics.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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Can Herpes Type 1 Shed Without Visible Sores, And Can Taking Acyclovir Before Intercourse Help Prevent Transmission To My Partner?

Hello, Don t blame yourself for everything that happened. I can see that you re truly sorry and full of regret. It s okay—let go of the overthinking and be kind to yourself. Do not try to cover things from your present partner; an open conversation is always better. By asymptomatic viral shedding, HSV1 and HSV2 can be transmitted, even when there are no symptoms. Shedding occurs in the absence of visible sores. The virus can be active on the skin or mucous membranes (mouth, genitals) without any noticeable symptoms. Shedding can be irregular. Shedding is highest in the first 6–12 months. Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact during outbreaks, as shedding is highest then. Get your partner tested for HSV1. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake, as it can weaken immunity. Reduce intake of processed sugar and avoid overexposure to sunlight, as HSV1 outbreaks can be triggered. Taking Acyclovir before intercourse may reduce viral activity, but it works best when taken daily rather than just before exposure. Taking Acyclovir daily as suppressive therapy can lower the risk of transmission to a partner by 50%. To boost immunity, take antioxidants and probiotics. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician