[Question #12740] Prevention of HSV1

5 months ago

Hi Terri, I've tried to read as many of the previous posts on HSV1 as possible so I am familiar with much of the information that has been shared already (ex. how common it is and many people don't know they have it, how it can be transmitted when there are no symptoms present so there is no perfect solution, testing info for IgG vs blot etc).

I am recently single and planning to date around and want to be as protected as possibly can be, even if it's to a little neurotic level. For the sake of my question, let's assume hypothetically I don't have HSV1 based on a western blot ( in reality, I have never had a cold sore and have previously always tested negative just on an IgG) and that I will be doing nothing further than kissing/french kissing/making out.

1. Considering the situation and I do not see any visible sores or outbreaks, what are the chances of contracting HSV1 ?

2. I have heard of an infected person taking antiviral medication but to not put the chances in a stranger's hands, as the uninfected person can I take antiviral meds (valtrex etc) to prevent future HSV1 infection?

I think I read antiviral resistance can develop but if I only plan to take the meds for a month or less would this make a difference?or if I just took it within a few days of the contact?

and what are the side effects of these medications?

I also read that is unclear if it reduces the risk of transmission but wanted to get your take and based on the latest research?

3. If you would not recommend antiviral drugs to prevent HSV1 in those not already infected, are there any other preventative treatments available currently?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

5 months ago

1. Considering the situation and I do not see any visible sores or outbreaks, what are the chances of contracting HSV1 ?

I'm so sorry, we don't have that information.

There are no research studies that I am aware of that addresses this issue, sorry.

I think I read antiviral resistance can develop but if I only plan to take the meds for a month or less would this make a difference?or if I just took it within a few days of the contact?

and what are the side effects of these medications?

There is a mouse study showing that if mice are infected with HSV and then treated immediately with antivirals, some of them might not have developed latency, but it would need to happen right away, not a few hours later, I would guess (again no studies that I know of in humans) and at a relatively high dose. Side effects are uncommon and the most common one is headache.

I also read that is unclear if it reduces the risk of transmission but wanted to get your take and based on the latest research?

3. If you would not recommend antiviral drugs to prevent HSV1 in those not already infected, are there any other preventative treatments available currently?

no, but condoms would certainly be helpful if you are male and female condoms if you are female and also there are other barriers for women, if you are female.

Terri

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5 months ago

Interesting. Would you be able to send the link for that mouse study?

If I think I have been exposed to HSV1 and I begin taking antiviral medications right away to prevent infection - what dose would you recommend (dose/specific medication/how consistently over how long)?

Would this dose correlate in humans to the dose in the mouse study?

And in the chance that I actually wasn't exposed to HSV1 and I still underwent this protocol, are there any drawbacks?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

5 months ago

oh boy, it's been years since I read that - maybe 20! I'm unable to find it actually, only studies saying when infected they all developed latency. So either I am remembering it incorrectly or just can't find it anymore. Any idea about dosing would be a total guess and also a total guess if it would work in people and if so, how much would be necessary for how long. If it were me, I would probably take 2 grams two or three times day for three days, just a wild a-s guess, to be sure. I'll look further for the article.

Terri

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