Type 2 Herpes

[tomc12]

Generally the medical community uses outbreak to define physical signs, not viral shedding, so the terms are not really synonymous. All outbreaks come from viral shedding, but not all viral sheddings lead to outbreaks.

On the other hand, frequency of outbreaks or viral cultures are not a good way to determine risk of transmission. Recent experiments have shown that viral shedding occurs much more frequently than thought. Previously viral cultures were used to determine the frequency of shedding; however, using PCR for Herpes DNA shows a frequency 3-4 times higher than culture did.

So in answer to the original poster's question, is it safe to go down on a girl with type 2 herpes if she is not having an outbreak? No. Can you lower your risk? Sure, have her take Valtrex. By the way, there is no evidence that taking Valtrex is effective as a preventative for an uninfected person.

But maybe the real answer to your question can be found in asking yourself some questions:

1) What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2? Basically the preferred site of infection and recurrence rate. Both are still herpes

2) Do you require recent results for HSV testing before you kiss anybody? Most people don't, especially PCR testing.