[Question #8677] HSV-1 Genital Transmission

41 months ago

Hello,

I contacted HSV-1 genital over 29 years ago from having oral sex with my boyfriend and there was no intercourse. I was 23 years old at the time and now I'm 52. He had a cold sore and performed oral sex on me and a few days later I had a breakout, so I was wondering how likely is it to transmit HSV-1 genital to an uninfected male now? What are the chances of asymptomatic shedding and viral shedding? Also, I heard about taking suppressive therapy like Acyclovir twice daily to reduce transmission, but I read in an article that taking Acyclovir daily for a long time can cause kidney problems. Is that True?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

41 months ago

Oh my goodness, that was so long ago! What is/has your outbreak pattern been like?

Terri

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41 months ago

I know that’s why I was wondering about transmission and suppressive therapy. I haven’t had any outbreaks for long time. Also, I read something about HSV-1 might be linked to Alzheimer’s. Is that true?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

41 months ago

You didn't answer my question about your outbreak pattern. But for the vast majority of people who have been infected that long, viral shedding is uncommon as our outbreaks. Since I don't know about your outbreak pattern, I can only give you averages information - those infected for about 2 years with genital HSV 1 shed virus on about 4 days out of the year. Suppressive therapy will likely reduce that as well, though it is quite low to begin with. Acyclovir taken for a long time does not cause kidney problems and yes, it maybe linked, in some people, to the development of Alzheimers, though research is onoing on that topic.

Terri

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41 months ago

I’m sorry for not being specific. After the first initial outbreak I have had an outbreak twice a year very mild then it went down to one and I haven’t had one for a long time. Therefore, transmission and shedding is very low or close to none and suppressive therapy isn’t necessary? Why will HSV-1 be linked to Alzheimer’s and should I be concerned?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

41 months ago

Whether you take suppressive therapy is really a decision to make with a partner. But statistically, shedding will be quite infrequent, yes, indeed.

There needs to be more work done on the link with Alzheimers and it is in a specific population. If you are interested, you could look it up on the internet, for sure.

Terri

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