Other Drugs 
ValtrexGenital Herpes Frequently Asked Questions
Most Americans have herpes, either as genital herpes, or as cold sores, the main difference is where it appears on the body. Experts estimate that 60 million Americans have the virus that causes the genital form of herpes, and the CDC estimates that approximately 1 million people are infected each year. In 1991, an estimated 45 million Americans were infected with the virus that causes genital herpes. And millions more have cold sores.
Anyone who is sexually active, including any vaginal, oral, or anal contact, can get genital herpes. But most people with genital herpes never recognize the signs of infection or don't have symptoms at all. So there are lots of people who have herpes and don't even know it.
Yes. The genital herpes virus can still be spread through the skin although there are no visible signs of an outbreak. This is called asymptomatic viral shedding. One study estimated that up to 70% of people may have gotten genital herpes from an infected partner when no signs or symptoms were present. And since the symptoms are not always obvious, nine out of ten people who have genital herpes don't even know they're infected.
VALTREX is the first and only herpes medication clinically proven to significantly reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to a partner. Safer sex practices should be used with daily therapy. Always practice safer sex, even if you've been in the same relationship for a very long time. Condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus. However, it is possible to spread the virus even when you use condoms because they may not cover all the areas where the herpes virus is active.
Studies show that people who have genital herpes are at a higher risk for contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. So it's important to take every precaution to protect yourself and your partner.
Telling a partner isn't easy, but it is necessary. Many people carefully plan a time and place to have the conversation. Talking to a partner about sexual history works best when both individuals are feeling good, are relaxed, and can devote their full attention to the conversation. The place should be private. It could be your own home or a quiet outdoor setting — anywhere that's relatively free of interruptions.
Overall, be positive and confident. People tend to behave the way you expect them to behave, and a gloomy presentation may well increase the chance of a gloomy response. Expect that your partner will be accepting and supportive. You are doing the right thing for both of you. Hopefully, your partner will react well. After all, you trust him or her enough to share a confidence that you probably wouldn't share with just anybody. Most people respect that. So when you talk to someone about genital herpes and safer sex, pat yourself on the back. You have confronted a difficult issue in your life with courage and consideration.
You should be open to the possibility that your partner may also have genital herpes. Up to 90% of people who are infected with HSV-2 are unaware of it because symptoms can be subtle or not present. Encourage your partner to speak to his or her healthcare provider. It's far better to know what you're dealing with so you can reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus to others.
You could pass it on to a partner. Or, if your partner has herpes and doesn't know it, he or she could pass it to you.
You should talk openly and honestly to your doctor or healthcare provider. Remember, up to 90% of people who are infected with HSV-2 don't know it mainly because the symptoms can often be mistaken for other things. Ask for a blood test that can determine if you have HSV-2.
Probably not. When healthcare providers test for sexually transmitted diseases or HIV they often do not test for genital herpes. So, you should ask specifically to be tested for genital herpes. The HerpeSelect* test is the only FDA-approved laboratory test available that can detect type-specific antibodies to both HSV-1 and HSV-2.
No. Tests that you get at routine check-ups, such as pap smears, do not screen for genital herpes. So, you should ask specifically to be tested for genital herpes. The HerpeSelect test is the only FDA-approved laboratory test available that can detect type-specific antibodies to both HSV-1 and HSV-2.
*HerpeSelect is a registered trademark of Focus Technologies.