[Question #3606] HSV1 and HSV2 transmission
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88 months ago
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Hello,
I am a lesbian interested in a woman that has both HSV1 and HSV2. However, she has never had a "cold sore" or a genital herpes outbreak. She found out she had HSV2 and HSV2 through blood testing. She also has a compromised immune system. Something with hemoglobin IG? (not really sure) so she's not even sure that she could take Valtrex or if it would even be effective for preventing transmission.
Here are my three questions:
1. If I take Valtrex, with that protect me from her transmitting HSV1 and HSV2 to me?
2. What are the chances of her transmitting HSV1 and HSV2 to me without her being on suppressive therapy?
3. Are there any type of medications that she can take to prevent the transmission of HSV1 and HSV2 that would work for a person with a compromised immune system?
Thank you for your time.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
88 months ago
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1. No. To be effective, the Valtrex is to be taken by the infected person. I assume you have been tested and are negative for both?
2. We don't have any good statistics about transmission between two females. If her HSV 1 is oral,which it probably is, does she have cold sores?
3. There is no problem I am aware of of someone with a compromised immune system taking valacyclovir - in fact, people with HIV infection take it all the time.
Also, it is important that since she was diagnosed with HSV 2 by blood test, that the index value or number associated with her infection be greater than 3.5 before she needs confirmatory testing. There are some false positives between 1.1 and 3.5
Terri
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2. We don't have any good statistics about transmission between two females. If her HSV 1 is oral,which it probably is, does she have cold sores?
3. There is no problem I am aware of of someone with a compromised immune system taking valacyclovir - in fact, people with HIV infection take it all the time.
Also, it is important that since she was diagnosed with HSV 2 by blood test, that the index value or number associated with her infection be greater than 3.5 before she needs confirmatory testing. There are some false positives between 1.1 and 3.5
Terri
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88 months ago
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No, she has never had a cold sore. I do not have HSV1 or HSV2.
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88 months ago
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Is there any way for me to protect myself from acquiring HSV 1 and 2 from her? Or is it up to her to take Valtrex to protect me?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
87 months ago
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It is up to her to take Valtrex to protect you, yes, but again, please clarify that her index values on the antibody test were greater than 3.5. And when you say you are not infected with either HSV 1 or 2, I am assuming these are actual test results rather than your opinion about if you are infected or not. 70-80% of people with both of these viruses deny they are infected, if only asked, rather than going by test results.,
Terri
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Terri
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