A member asked:

Is it true, the longer you have genital herpes the less contagious you are over time and on meds? and the most contagious one would be is when they have active legions?

9 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. answered

Genital herpes: As you're likely aware, people with genital HSV may be shedding infectious virus and not be aware of it. How often this happens varies. In general, yes, active lesions have lots of virus and are infectious; viral shedding may lessen over time and is less when on antiviral meds. However, this might differ for various reasons. Using condoms consistently & antiviral meds reduce HSV transmission risk.

Answered 6/10/2017

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Dr. Mohammad Ashori answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Correct: Active lesions increase your risk of transmission. As we get older it's less likely to have higher transmission rates and the longer one has HSV the less active the infection is.

Answered 12/9/2016

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Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

Mostly true: For genital HSV2, outbreaks and viral shedding (virus in the genital area without symptoms) become less frequent, with lower transmission risk, but it takes a few years. Contagiousness is highest with active outbreaks, but often occurs without symptoms. Continuous antiviraln's not eliminate transmissionk. You must tell all partners you have GH and also use condoms to prevent transmission.

Answered 12/9/2016

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