If Someone Has HSV-1 Genital, Only One Outbreak 10 Years

Posted on Thu, 20 Feb 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : If someone has HSV-1 genital, only one outbreak 10 years ago, would you advise that they take acyclovir (or any antiviral) daily as suppressive treatment to prevent transmitting to non-infected partner?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding HSV transmission

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.

Yes, that would be an ideal case scenario in addition to using a condom. This is because HSV is mostly acquired from someone who doesn't have any symptoms at the time of sexual contact.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (32 minutes later)

Just asking around. 2 other doctors said HPV-1 is not as problematic as HPV-2, and that is so highly unlikely to transmit genital HPV-1 to a non-infected partner (when not shedding or showing symptoms) that it is unnecessary to take an antiviral medicine when having intercourse with a non-infected partner during asymptomatic periods. Do you agree? Also - is taking acyclovir daily a problem for someone who has stage 2 kidney disease?

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (0 minute later)

Correction: HPV-1 = HSV-1

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding HSV 1 transmission

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Patients with kidney disease ideally should avoid Acyclovir due to an increased risk of drug toxicity.

I agree genital HSV 1 is much less likely to transmit than type 2 HSV during asymptomatic phases but the risk is not an absolute Zero.

Using a condom would still reduce whatever little chance of transmission exists with HSV 1.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee