Valtrex and HIV test window period

[bobaustin]

Hello Dr. HHH and EWH,

Last Friday 2/12 I went to a strip club, during a private show the stripper unzipped my pants. She placed a condom and performed oral sex and we engaged in vaginal sex. I was quite intoxicated and somewhat blurry. I have no idea about her HIV/STD status or if the condom she used was ok. Although I am pretty sure the condom did not break despite my drunkenness.
I contacted my PCP who believes there is negligible risk for any STD transmission with the exception of HSV-2. He has asked me to take a week's supply of Valtrex (1 gram PO BID)
My questions are as follows:

1. Does Valtrex interfere with the window period for an HIV test? i.e. make the window period longer? Would a 6 week test be reliable if I took the Valtrex?
2. Should I be worried about any other STDs besides HSV-2, such as HIV, etc?

Thank you.

Worrier in the snow

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  The events you describe are essentially no risk. Condom protect sex is safe sex.  In my opinion you really need not be concerned about this exposure, nor do you need testing.  I do not understand however why your PCP want you to take valacyclovir?  

In answer to your specific questions:
1.  No, valacyclovir has no effect on the time it takes for an HIV blood test to become positive.  If you had a meaningful exposure (you did not) a 6 week test would be highly reliable.
2.  No.  Once again, condom protected sex is safe sex.

Hope this helps. You have nothing to worry about related to this exposure.  EWH

[bobaustin]

Hi Dr. Hook,

Thank you for your reply and answer to my questions. I asked my PCP regarding the Valtrex and he informed that if I had indeed caught HSV-2 that this would lessen the morbidity of the initial outbreak. That was his reasoning.

I am a worrier/paranoid person so it is easy for me to let an experience like this blow out of proportion. Thanks again and hope all is well.

Worrier in less snow