A member asked:

Does viral shedding occur after a hsv outbreak? and when is it safe to engage in sex

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

Not predictable: Viral shedding in people with genital HSV2 cannot be accurately predicted. It is most frequent and heaviest 1-2 days before and during outbreaks, and tends to be lower for a few days after outbreaks heal. But only "tends". Shedding is possible even the next day. People with GH due to HSV2 should assume they are infectious for partners at any time. (Much less for GH due to HSV1.)

Answered 1/10/2017

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Dr. Jane Lykins answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Yes, it can occur: Unfortunately, studies have shown that people who have HSV will shed the virus 20% of the time even when they have no lesions or symptoms. There is no way to predict when this viral shedding happens. It can be significantly decreased with daily antiviral medicine, though.

Answered 5/28/2017

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Does HSV 1 have viral shedding?

A doctor has provided 1 answer