Potential to spread - 1 partner HSV 2 positive (g), and 1 partner HSV 1 positive (o & g)

[allhereto]

Just wondering about the chances of homosexual partners - one positive for HSV 1 (genital & oral) spreading HSV1 to  partner already infected with only genital HSV 2 and vice versa. Both on daily Valtrex suppressive therapy, but don't use condoms.

Edited May 23, 2018 by allhereto

[WilsoInAus]

Hard to say, but here are some general observations.

A person with HSV-2 has strong immunity from infection from a subsequent infection with HSV-1. It is not fully understood why, but it is incredibly rarely observed suggesting transmission is very low.

Having HSV-1 doesn’t provide the same protection from HSV-2. However double infections in the same region are not overly common suggesting there is some form of ‘crowding out effect’. It isn’t known what this amounts to.

In the end the transmission rates are what they will be and all couples are different.

All that can be done pragmatically is adopt your reduction measures, such as antivirals and don’t have sex if there’s any feeling an outbreak may be present or on the way.

[allhereto]

Thank you for the helpful info, Wilso!