Transmission Between Outbreaks

According to the CDC, "The majority of genital herpes infections are transmitted by persons unaware that they have the infection or who are asymptomatic when transmission occurs."1

transmission may be due to asymptomatic viral shedding

Results from a randomized, prospective study of 144 immunocompetent heterosexual couples discordant for genital herpes. Couples were counseled about safer sex practices and were followed for a median of 334 days. The median duration of symptomatic genital herpes in the source partner before study entry was 4.7 years, and the median number of outbreaks was 4 per year.

In a study by Mertz et al2:

  • 9.7% of noninfected partners became infected over a median of 334 days on study
  • Up to 70% of transmission may have occurred in couples who reported no signs or symptoms of genital herpes at the time of sexual contact

In two large nationwide surveys, up to 89% of patients expressed concern about transmitting genital herpes to their partner.3,4

The effect of antiviral therapy on reducing patient concerns associated with transmission of genital herpes has not been evaluated.

Based on a large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, VALTREX 500 mg once daily has been approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of transmission of genital herpes, along with safer sex practices.*5

Read more about the CDC Treatment Highlights.

*In immunocompetent adults.

 

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2006. MMWR. 2006;55 (RR-11):1-92.
  2. Mertz GJ, Benedetti J, Ashley R, Selke SA, Corey L. Risk factors for the sexual transmission of genital herpes. Ann Intern Med. 1992;116:197-202.
  3. Catotti DN, Clarke P, Catoe KE. Herpes revisited: still a cause of concern. Sex Transm Dis. 1993;20:77-80.
    4.
  4. Gilbert L, Scanlon K, Peterson R, Ebel C. Patient and partner perceptions about preventing genital herpes transmission. Herpes. 2005;12:60-65.
  5. Corey L, Wald A, Patel R, et al. Once-daily valacyclovir to reduce the risk of transmission of genital herpes. N Engl J Med. 2004;350:11-20.
    6.