Valtrex and transmission

[Rosez912]

I tested positive for HSV2 (genital herpes) in early March. Since then I've been taking 500mg of Valtrex every night and plan to do so for the next year to year and a half as suggested by my doctor. I have had no other outbreaks since the first one. My doctor explained to me that taking Valtrex on a regimen would help the virus become dormant. I was wondering what that meant specifically in terms of my likelihood of transmitting the virus to sexual partners with or without condoms. I am looking for a better understanding of how taking Valtrex on a daily regimen effects my likelihood to transmit and show symptoms of the virus. Thanks!

[gracefromHHP]

Valtrex only works while you are taking it. It has no long term effects on your hsv2. Once you stop taking it, all its benefits stop and your hsv2 goes back to its usual shedding rate. There are no known benefits to taking it for 1 1/2 years other than you will have less recurrences during that time and are reducing the odds of transmission to a partner while taking it.

keep asking questions!!

grace

[Fleetwood20]

Antivirals halves the transmission rates, that is known. As a female this reduces annual transmission from 4% to around 2% and even less with condoms.

The virus is always there and 'alive'. What is known is that the antivirals are effective of reducing viral replication.

How were you diagnosed with HSV2? Was your HSV properly typed?