[Question #9214] Asymptomatic Cold Sores/HSV-1 Transmission and Daily Valtrex
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35 months ago
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I am currently in a serious relationship and have some concerns about the asymptomatic spreading of cold sores/hsv-1. I've had cold sores since I was 12, I am 19 now, and my outbreaks have only occurred every couple of years and as of late the outbreaks have been very mild. However, I've recently had 2 back to back outbreaks. These outbreaks have been mild and the sore didn't scab up/burst. However, I am concerned that even without an active outbreak I can give the virus to my partner through kissing and oral sex. My partner has no history of cold sores or herpes in general. I've also just been prescribed valtrex to be taken only during outbreaks. So my questions are as follows.
1. How common is the spreading of cold-sores (hsv-1) through kissing and oral sex when an outbreak is not present?
2. How likely is it to self-innoculate and give myself genital herpes through saliva/my partner contracting the virus and giving it to me through oral sex without an outbreak present?
3. Would it be beneficial to seek a prescription for daily valtrex to prevent asymptomatic spreading?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
35 months ago
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So sorry to have missed this post earlier!
It is possible that you could shed HSV 1 virus from your mouth even if there is no sign of a cold sore. But just because your partner doesn't report any history of cold sores, doesn't mean that they aren't infected with HSV 1. In your situation, I think it would be appropriate to have them take an IgG test for HSV 1 to check their status in a laboratory setting, rather than just going by their history.
We don't have statistics on how common transmission is without symptoms, but we certainly see many cases of genital HSV 1 acquired during oral sex from people who don't have cols sores at the time.
It is extremely unlikely that you would now spread this virus to a new location on your body
If your partner actually tests negative, it may be useful to begin suppressive therapy with 500 mg of valacyclovir to reduce the risk of transmission, yes.
Terri
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