FOLLOW UP - HOW CONTAGIOUS IS GHSV-1?

[super_inquisitive]

Thank you for your answers to my earlier questions about how contagious GHSV-1 is.  You helped and your responses were comforting.  Yet I have some more questions:

(1) It is my understanding that it is hard to shed asymptomatically from my stomach and that is why it is taking longer to heal (will...it's healed...but for the redness to go away).  Do you, or anyone else, know how long it normally takes for your stomach to heal completely (as in no signs at all)?

(2) I understand that I can still transmit HSV-1 from the genital area.  I'm a male (I think this question may be different depending on sex).  Is it normal to asymptomatically shed HSV-1 through your penis?  Or do I have to have another outbreak to be contagious?

(3) What are the rates, or probability, of transmitting HSV-1 via the genitals?  Without an outbreak?  With, and without, being on Valacyclovir?

(4) Since it doesn't seem that I would transmit it via my stomach skin (unless there was another outbreak) does a condom work 100% against asymptomatically transmitting HSV-1 via the genitals?

(5) The specialist that I saw said I should stay on Valacyclovir for one year and then "see what happens".  What did he mean by this and why one year?

(6) Is it possible, since this is HSV-1 where it doesn't want to be, to never have another issue with it?

I'm sorry if it seems like I asked the same question again.  But your response is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I use valacyclovir for suppression (500-1000 mg per day) and for episodic therapy (2000 mg twice in a 24 hour period).  I agree with your doctor.

Terri

[Bfacts]

My doctor told me that even though I get cold sores on my lips, i can't give it to myself genitally, because the virus is already in my system, is this true?

[super_inquisitive]

Terri,

What is your typical guidance on the use of Valacyclovir?

Thanks!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

(1) It is my understanding that it is hard to shed asymptomatically from my stomach and that is why it is taking longer to heal (will...it's healed...but for the redness to go away).  Do you, or anyone else, know how long it normally takes for your stomach to heal completely (as in no signs at all)?

I don't know  - that varies greatly from person to person.  Maybe a month usually?

(2) I understand that I can still transmit HSV-1 from the genital area.  I'm a male (I think this question may be different depending on sex).  Is it normal to asymptomatically shed HSV-1 through your penis?  Or do I have to have another outbreak to be contagious?

The most common site for asymptomatic shedding in males is the penile shaft.

(3) What are the rates, or probability, of transmitting HSV-1 via the genitals?  Without an outbreak?  With, and without, being on Valacyclovir?

We don't have statistics about HSV 1 transmission. but we know that valacyclovir helps suppress viral activity for both HSV 1 and 2.

(4) Since it doesn't seem that I would transmit it via my stomach skin (unless there was another outbreak) does a condom work 100% against asymptomatically transmitting HSV-1 via the genitals?

No, condoms reduce transmission by about 30%, at least for HSV 2.

(5) The specialist that I saw said I should stay on Valacyclovir for one year and then "see what happens".  What did he mean by this and why one year?

I'm not sure what he means.  I don't use the one year guidance at all.  You might ask him what he means.

(6) Is it possible, since this is HSV-1 where it doesn't want to be, to never have another issue with it?

About 70% of people who have HSV 1 infection genitally, don't have recurrences.  But that doesn't mean you won't be shedding.

Terri