Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

What are my chances of getting herpes

on acyclovir for chemo.  Girlfriend just told me she has herpes 2 and is on valtrex.  We have had unprotected sex - but none when she is symptomatic.  What are my chance of getting herpes
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
You're on acyclovir for chemo? I'm assuming that you are taking it to help prevent mouth sores associated with the chemo?

This is a tricky question for you. Ordinarily, there is about a 2-3% chance of a male getting hsv2 from a female over the course of a year when the female is using daily suppression, like Valtrex (this assumes sex 2-3x a week).

However, you are on chemo, and your immune system may be compromised because of it. I can't say for certain because I don't know what kind of chemo you're on, what kind of cancer you're treating, etc. You should talk to your doctor about that.

There is some thought that acyclovir or Valtrex may help prevent herpes infections when taking it prophylactically, but the science is still out on that.

I have to say that I'm concerned about your girlfriend who didn't tell you that she has hsv2 knowing you were undergoing chemo. That's a pretty big health risk she took with you. Your chances are probably low, but she should have told you.

Talk to your doctor about your immune system status, and make a decision from there. You may want to use condoms along with the valtrex while you're undergoing chemo.

Best of luck to you.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.