Question:
I've HSV-2 for at least 7 years. It's been many years since i've had an outbreak.

I recently was involved with a girl who does not have the virus, and was initially ok with the fact that i did. However, after a three month relationship (during which time we did not have intercourse), she thought about it again and decided that the risk was too great. I had given her all the details about general asymptomatic transmission rates, and i had begun taking Valtrex to hopefully cut that down even further. But even though she understood that the rates in clinical trials were something like 0.4% transmission rate over an eight month period, she still was too afraid to continue.

Since she made that decision a few weeks ago, she's started texting me and calling me again - telling me how much she misses me, etc. And so i've been thinking about this issue again. What other information might i be able to give her that would ease her mind?

So that's a long lead-up for this question: does anyone know of any skin tests that can be done asymptomatically? Even if this girl doesn't come back to me (and i don't think she will, honestly), i'd like to have a better idea of what kind of asymptomatic shedding rate i have. Obviously i'm familiar with the two major types of testing - blood tests for the anti-bodies, and PCR tests on the sores. But can you do a PCR test without any symptoms? Is there any sort of skin test to help figure out whether you're shedding?

I realize it would probably be prohibitively expensive to be trying to do this test everyday for a long period, just to determine shedding rates - but i was curious as to whether it was theoretically something one could do...

Answer:
No there isn't something like that available. We've discussed the desire of most of us to have this kind of option available but it simply isn't. Besides the skin/swab tests currently available often take days to get results for.

Until then. Maximize your immune system. She should maximize her own immune system. Use condoms and antivirals. Some couples have him wear boxers to cut down on skin to skin contact.

If you aren't having ob's for a long period of time and are also not having any prodomal symptoms the chances are good that you are not shedding as much as someone who still has active viral activity. Avoid sexual contact if either of you are coming down with a cold or flu or any other immune compromising condition.

I wish you luck.

Answer:
You can do PCR testing without any symptoms. However, a single test won't suggest much. And as mentioned, a daily test for two months would require a person to have very deep pockets.

Terri Warren's clinic in Portland Oregon just finished up a shedding study for people with confirmed genital HSV2 infection for at least 10 years. The results should be published by the end of the year.

Regards
Mr Smith