Reply To: Likelihood of HSV2 transmission from F to M

[worrywort123]

Thanks for your reply! As of his last test months ago, he was negative for HSV2 and positive (well-established infection) for HSV1. He gets cold sores on his mouth several times a year and has for over a decade.

Follow up questions:
1. I am currently on swallowed Flovent (fluticasone) to help treat eosinophilic esophagitis (allergic reaction to something/condition that causes white blood cell build up there). I take is 2x a day for six weeks and it’s considered topical steroid use, as it’s coating my esophagus. Since steroids suppress the immune system, am I more at risk for outbreaks or transmitting HSV2 while on this medication? (I’m still taking my Valtrex).

2. If my partner were to start taking daily Valtrex for his HSV1 to prevent cold sore OBs, would that give him any protection against my HSV2? And if not, why is that? I’ve read that the drug is only activated in the presence of the virus, so I have a hard time understanding, if he takes this daily and is exposed to my HSV2, why Valtrex wouldn’t attack it and prevent replication the same way it does for me and for his HSV1?

I just want to keep him as safe as I possibly can. Is there anything else I can do to help protect him? My ex-H would wash his penis with soap and water very shortly after sex and, as far as we can tell (he hasn’t been tested, no symptoms), he never got it from me in 15 years. Does this help? Yes, it makes me feel slightly… dirty, but I also am not really offended. If it is helpful, I encourage it.