Aa
30 weeks long enough for reliable result while on valtrex?
Hi, I tested negative (IGM and IGG) to HSV2 30 weeks post exposure. Just wondering if I can rely on this result, as I started taking Valtrex daily, 61/2 weeks after this exposure for a prior HSV1 infection. PCR tests also came back negative for HSV2.
I've read that Valtrex and HSV1 can both delay seroconversion so just wondering if I should retest or I can rely on this. Normally I wouldn't be this worried, but I believe my ex was a HSV2 carrier so hope that explains my caution.
Thanks.
I've read that Valtrex and HSV1 can both delay seroconversion so just wondering if I should retest or I can rely on this. Normally I wouldn't be this worried, but I believe my ex was a HSV2 carrier so hope that explains my caution.
Thanks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No, valacyclovir started 6 and 1/2 weeks after would not prevent seroconversion if you had acquired HSV.
FYI, even STD experts are incorrect in their visual diagnosis of herpes 25% of the time. EWH
FYI, even STD experts are incorrect in their visual diagnosis of herpes 25% of the time. EWH
Thanks for your response. I started the valtrex 6 and a half weeks post exposure. Is 6 and a half weeks really considered early enough to delay seroconversion?
My ex was never tested but got a visual diagnosis from his doctor 30 years ago so who knows.
My ex was never tested but got a visual diagnosis from his doctor 30 years ago so who knows.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This answer will address your concerns from two perspectives. First the direct answer. Yes, there is emerging data to show that early initiation of therapy for HSV can delay or, rarely even prevent concersion of serological tests for herpes to positive. Experts have begun to notice this as occurring from time to time but there are no studies to describe how common (or uncommon) it is.
On the other hand, although your post is a little bit difficult to follow, I see no evidence that you have HSV. It appears that you do not even know that your ex had HSV for sure. Exposure is by no means the same thing as infection. In fact, the vast majority of exposures do not lead to infection. I have had patients whose partners had HSV and yet did not acquire the infection themselves over periods of years. My advice would be to stop the valacyclovir and not retest in any manner, shape or form unless you have a lesion to test. The the test to get would be a culture or PCR from a lesion, not a blood test.
I hope this comment and perspective is helpful to you. EWH
On the other hand, although your post is a little bit difficult to follow, I see no evidence that you have HSV. It appears that you do not even know that your ex had HSV for sure. Exposure is by no means the same thing as infection. In fact, the vast majority of exposures do not lead to infection. I have had patients whose partners had HSV and yet did not acquire the infection themselves over periods of years. My advice would be to stop the valacyclovir and not retest in any manner, shape or form unless you have a lesion to test. The the test to get would be a culture or PCR from a lesion, not a blood test.
I hope this comment and perspective is helpful to you. EWH
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
