I’ve been managing genital HSV-2 for 15 years and recently disclosed my status to a new partner, who has been supportive. We’ve been using strategies to reduce transmission risk: daily suppressive therapy, condoms, and avoiding sex during outbreaks. While I know HSV-2 primarily affects the genital area, we’re also avoiding oral sex to further reduce the risk.

When not sexually active, I don’t take antivirals and rarely experience symptoms. In relationships, I take antivirals daily, but experience constant prodromal symptoms.

Question 1: Could suppressive therapy be amplifying prodromal symptoms and doing more harm than good in elevating transmission risk?

Question 2: We engaged in genital touching (no lesions but prodrome present), and he transferred my vaginal fluid from his hand to mouth. He’s since had bumps between the eyebrows and near the nose. What is the risk of HSV-2 transmission via hand-to-mouth contact? I don’t want to make a big deal out of what may well be acne.