1) Given that 4.16 is still considered “low positive,” does that make the risk of transmission lower? Is that what my Dr means by “viral load”–ie, the lower the number, the lower the risk of passing it on?
Your doctor is incorrect. The 4.16 is not a viral load – it is an index value obtained by a test that uses optical density to measure an index value. The index value is not related to transmission or viral shedding. And it could be a false positive as well.
2) Given that I’ve had no visible symptoms over nearly a 2 year period, a 4.16 score and a new Valtrex routine, what are the rough odds of transmission (both protected and unprotected intercourse)?
Well, I guess we are assuming that this is a true positive, which I would not necessarily believe. Condosm reduced transmission by 96% and the daily antiviral meds by 48% so both together is very safe.
3) Should I worry about the high HSV1 score? I believe this has been in my system forever, as does my Dr.
No need to worry, just recognize it.
Terri