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I have HSV2, new interest has HSV1 - what are transmission odds?


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I was diagnosed with HSV2 (genital) two years+ ago, and have been on suppressive therapy (Valacyclovir) since, with no outbreaks after the initial one. A new romantic interest (whom I met via a herpes dating site! yay!) has HSV1 (oral + genital). What are the odds of transmitting our respective "flavors" to each other (if and when the opportunity ever ... um... arises, that is)? Does having one type provide immunity to the other? Does being on suppressive therapy inhibit acquiring the other type?

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@Bluesy My understanding is that HSV2 provides immunity from HSV1 except in rare cases. But the opposite is not true. Conflicting studies indicate HSV1 provides anywhere from negligible to 40% risk reduction against HSV2.

 

Antivirals will reduce risk of transmission but will not provide immunity from contracting the virus.

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  • 2 weeks later...

@Dave I'll try to find a source with more comprehensive information, but for now you can check out page 7 of The Updated Herpes Handbook: https://www.westoverheights.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Updated-Herpes-Book.pdf

 

ETA: This also explains why only 40% of people with HSV2 are also infected with HSV1. Most of these people would likely have contracted HSV1 before adulthood or in early adulthood and then contracted HSV2 after becoming sexually active. The remaining 60% who have HSV2 and do not have HSV1 likely gained protection from HSV1 upon acquiring HSV2. This resulted in lower rates of HSV1 among people with HSV2.

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