Can you have HSV-2 and never have an outbreak?

Can you have HSV-2 and never have an outbreak?

Symptoms of HSV are often short-lived and mild. Many people who test positive for herpes antibodies have no symptoms; often, they can’t recall even a single outbreak.

How likely is it to pass HSV-2 without an outbreak?

One study examined rates of genital herpes transmission in heterosexual couples when only one partner was initially infected [1]. Over one year, the virus was transmitted to the other partner in 10 percent of couples. In 70 percent of cases, infection occurred at a time when there were no symptoms.

How often do people with HSV-2 have outbreaks?

The average number of outbreaks for a person with genital HSV-2 is four to five per year. The average for genital HSV-1 is less than one outbreak per year. Usually, there are more outbreaks during the first year, and many people find that outbreaks become less severe and less frequent with time.

Why acyclovir is not working?

In some cases, herpes flare-ups do not respond to acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir, probably due to resistant forms of HSV-1 and HSV-2. People living with HIV with suppressed immune systems—CD4 counts below 100—who have been on long-term acyclovir have developed drug-resistant herpes.

Can you test positive for HSV-2 without an outbreak?

CDC does not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms. This is because diagnosing genital herpes in someone without symptoms has not shown any change in their sexual behavior (e.g., wearing a condom or not having sex) nor has it stopped the virus from spreading.

Is HSV-2 worse than HSV-1?

HSV-1 can cause “genital herpes,” but most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2. Typically, someone with HSV-2 will have sores around the genitals or rectum. Symptoms are usually the most intense during the first outbreak and become less intense over time.

Can you have an outbreak while taking Valtrex?

Can you have an outbreak while taking Valtrex? Yes, while daily Valtrex has been shown to reduce genital herpes outbreaks by 70% to 80%, it is still possible to have an outbreak while taking the medication. However, the frequency of outbreaks tends to go down over time for a lot of people.

Can HSV-2 antibodies go away?

It may take between six and eight weeks to detect antibodies in a herpes blood test after first becoming infected with HSV. Also, antibodies may disappear with time, especially if the person has infrequent recurrences of herpes.

Can I drink alcohol with Valtrex?

Although no drug interactions exist between alcohol and Valtrex, it is still best to avoid alcohol while taking the medication. Alcohol can impair your immune system, making your infection harder to treat. Further, both drinking and Valtrex can cause nausea, potentially worsening that side effect.