[Question #10249] Hvs1

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24 months ago
Hello. I got diagnosed with hsv2 around 5 years ago.  My current girlfriend has hsv1 for the last 20 years. She gets an outbreak on her nostril around 2 times a year. I take valacyclovir for suppression.  Whts the chances of me contacting hsv1 from her. Also can she contact hsv2 from me even though she has had hsv1 for 20 years 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
24 months ago
Once someone is infected with HSV 2, they will almost NEVER acquire HSV 1 subsequently.  However, she is still vulnerable to acquiring HSV 2 from you.  Condoms reduce transmission by 96% and antivirals daily by 48% so both are very useful tools to reduce the risk of transmission to her.  Please let me know what other questions you may have

Terri
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