1. Based off of my two sexual encounters with the new partner, is there a high risk of me having passed her the virus, either orally or genitally or both? (assuming she was negative for HSV1 prior)
I think the risk is very low indeed. 47% of the US population is positive for HSV 1, so almost half the population between 14 and 49 have this condition, so there is a very reasonable chance she is also infected, thought 70% of those infected don’t know they are infected. Most HSV 1 is oral – cold sores in the nose or on the lip, but some can be genital. But genital HSV 1 rarely recurs and is rarely shed.
2. If my new partner does not exhibit symptoms within one week of sexual contact, is it safe to assume that she did not contract HSV1? Or at least did not get a new HSV1 infection from me?
I would say two weeks.
3. What is the proper procedure for taking antivirals while asymptomatic? Should I take antivirals for days prior to sexual contact? What value will this have for sexual partners if they do not have HSV1?
If you wish to take antivirals to reduce the risk of transmission, you should start 5 days in advance on contact. The usual dose is 500 mg once daily.
Terri