The following facts and myths might be helpful in discussing genital herpes with a patient.
The spread of genital herpes is largely under control these days.
The prevalence of genital herpes remains high. In fact, genital herpes is the most prevalent STD in the US. As many as 1 in 5 adults (an estimated 50 million people) have genital herpes. The CDC estimates that 1 million new patients become infected with genital herpes each year.1,2,3
Most people with genital herpes know they are infected with the disease.
Almost 90% of those infected are unaware they have the virus that causes genital herpes.1
Genital herpes is spread only during active outbreaks.
Up to 70% of genital herpes transmission may be due to asymptomatic viral shedding.4
Asymptomatic viral shedding occurs only in a small percentage of patients with genital herpes and occurs only right before or after an outbreak.
Studies have shown patients can shed virus an estimated 30 to 100 days a year without symptoms, and that 50% of asymptomatic viral shedding occurs more than 7 days from an outbreak.5,6,7 According to the CDC, asymptomatic viral shedding occurs even in patients with longstanding or clinically silent infection.3
Avoiding sexual activity during recurrences is the best way to prevent the spread of genital herpes to a partner.
While it is important to avoid sexual activity during recurrences, the CDC states that discordant couples should also consider suppressive antiviral therapy with VALTREX, along with consistent condom use, as part of an overall strategy to reduce the risk of transmission.*3
- Click here to download these Facts & Myths in PDF format.
*In immunocompetent heterosexual adults. Safer sex practices should be used with daily therapy with VALTREX.
