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STDs & Sexual Health

Does Valacyclovir Reduce Herpes Transmission?

Linda Girgis | MD

Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 20th, 2026.

Yes, valacyclovir significantly reduces herpes transmission when taken as suppressive therapy. Clinical studies demonstrate that daily valacyclovir therapy reduces HSV-2 transmission to uninfected partners by approximately 48% compared to placebo. The medication works by reducing viral shedding, which occurs when the virus is active on the skin or mucous membranes even without visible symptoms. Research shows that people taking 500mg of valacyclovir daily have fewer days of viral shedding and lower viral loads when shedding occurs. This reduction in viral activity directly correlates with decreased transmission risk to sexual partners, making suppressive therapy an important tool for couples where one partner has herpes.

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