When you read recommendations like those from the CDC, I think they have taken a conservative approach. Yes, the risk of acquisition of HSV 2 is low by performing cunnilingus, but not impossible.  The use of a dental dam will reduce that risk greatly.  So if there is someone very concerned about doing this and getting HSV, then the dental dam is a useful option for greater protection.  There are also panties now called Loral that give a very similar benefit but are likely easier to use for this purpose. 

We don't have any data about the use of antivirals for the uninfected person to reduce transmission risk, but in the past, experts have said that the dose required to be taken would be very high and on a regular basis and probably not practical and perhaps not even useful or effective.  There is a mouse model that shows that mice given high doses of acyclovir immediately after being infected with HSV have a slightly lower risk of the virus establishing latency. Just some food for thought.

Terri

Terri

Terri