Overview
There are mainly two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 commonly causes symptoms around the mouth and on the lips whereas HSV-2 typically causes a genital outbreak. People can transmit herpes without exhibiting symptoms or experiencing a herpes outbreak. However, despite the risk, you can take action to prevent transmission and reduce your chances of spreading herpes while on valacyclovir. The article is centered around reducing the risk of transmitting genital herpes and deals mainly with answering the following questions:
- Does taking valacyclovir prevent transmission?
- Does Valtrex keep you from spreading herpes?
- Do you have to take valacyclovir every day for the rest of your life?
- How effective is valacyclovir in preventing transmission?
Are there any chances of spreading herpes while on valacyclovir?
The next reasonable question would be, ‘What are the chances of getting herpes from a partner on HSV medication (valacyclovir)?
The answer to this question is complex; it can depend on many factors.
HSV-2 may not have a cure, but there are medications that can decrease the frequency, severity, and duration of outbreaks. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) treatment can reduce asymptomatic shedding and the herpes transmission rate.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that ‘taking 500 mg of Valtrex daily reduced the transmission of genital HSV-2 to the partner without the infection.’
HSV-2 is mainly associated with recurrent genital herpes, but it can be transmitted through oral sex and be caused by HSV-1, the herpes simplex virus that typically presents as cold sores around the mouth.
If your partner takes Valtrex, the hsv2 transmission rate can be reduced, but the effectiveness of Valtrex in people with genital lesions caused by HSV-1 has not been widely studied.
The dosage of Valtrex is 500 mg daily and is referred to as suppressive therapy for those individuals who have nine or fewer recurrences of an HSV-2 outbreak per year.
How effective is valacyclovir in preventing herpes transmission?
This part deals with the most pressing questions:
- How long does valtrex take to work to prevent transmission?
- What are the chances of getting herpes with a condom and no outbreak?
- What are the chances of spreading herpes while on valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir, marketed under the name Valtrex, is commonly prescribed for the management of oral and genital herpes. It is also used to treat chickenpox, which is also a herpes virus strain. Valacyclovir is prescribed to prevent herpes outbreaks and reduce the frequency and transmission rate of herpes.
Evidence suggests that using valacyclovir reduces the risk of transmission by about 50%. The relationship between herpes and condoms isn’t simple either, but by using condoms, the risk of spread falls by 50%. Even though 100% safety cannot be guaranteed, up to 75% is significant when using protection and antivirals. Moreover, taking valacyclovir therapy daily, even for up to one year, did not portray any severe adverse health effects.
If you have questions like, ‘if I slept with someone with herpes do I have it?’ and are wondering about the chances of getting herpes from an infected partner on medication? The following information may be helpful:
Hsv-2 transmission probability from female to male can only be reduced by avoiding sex if you or your partner has an active outbreak, even if he/she does take valacyclovir. The same rule applies to oral sex. In case of your cold sores, avoid oral sex and skin-to-skin contact with the affected area.
Practicing safer sex or avoiding sex entirely in case of any signs or symptoms of an outbreak is advisable to reduce hsv-2 transmission probability.
How long does it take for valacyclovir to work?
Let us address the next question: My partner has herpes; how do I protect myself?
Bear in mind that Valacyclovir (Valtrex) isn’t a magical cure for genital herpes. So, contagious lesions or shedding may occur even once on this medication. Although you may not be able to prevent the infection from happening, you can reduce your risk of transmission.
So the best way to protect yourself is to be safe rather than sorry, and in case your partner has an active outbreak, avoid any form of sexual contact even if your partner is on medication. Using a condom for extra protection can help as it is challenging to identify the period of asymptomatic shedding of the virus.
Is Valtrex better than Zovirax or Famvir?
Valacyclovir isn’t the only option out there to treat genital herpes. Other antivirals, such as Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Famciclovir (Famvir), have shown equal effectiveness. However, Zovirax is approved to manage initial and recurrent outbreaks.
Valtrex appears superior to Famvir at suppressing viral shedding when taken daily. Out of these three medications, Valtrex is approved for reducing the transmission of genital herpes.
When to consult a doctor?
Taking a daily antiviral medication can reduce your chances of passing HSV to your partner. Even when condoms and antiviral drugs do not eliminate the risk of transmitting herpes, there is significant risk reduction and reduction in the symptoms and severity of the outbreak.
Talk to our doctor at Your Doctors online to see if you are a candidate for antiviral medication.
FAQs about the chances of spreading herpes while on valacyclovir
HSV-2 has no cure, but medications such as valacyclovir help decrease the severity and duration of outbreaks. Some people take valacyclovir (Valtrex) every day to reduce asymptomatic shedding and the possibility of transmission. Valtrex is typically 500 mg daily. Your doctor can adjust your dose according to your condition.
Herpes (HSV) can be passed on even when a person with the virus doesn’t have active symptoms such as genital sores. Many carriers of HSV are unaware that they have the infection. Therefore, herpes is very contagious and common. It is of immense importance to practice safe sex and use condoms as this can help reduce transmission if one partner has herpes.
Many individuals with herpes may never exhibit any symptoms. However, if a partner is aware that they have HSV, taking an antiviral medication such as valacyclovir can reduce the risk of passing it along to partners. However, keep in mind that condoms and antiviral medications do not offer complete protection or eliminate the risk of transmitting herpes to others.
Even if you have HSV, you may not portray any symptoms or experience an outbreak, but the psychological stress and stigma can cause a lot of distress and affect the quality of life.
