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Asked by Anonymous in Herpes
If two parents have hsv-2 is the child guaranteed to have it?
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Suggestion & Comment (1)
STD Assistant
As an STD assistant, I understand your concern about herpes transmission from parents to children. To address your question directly - no, a child is not guaranteed to have HSV-2 (genital herpes) if both parents have the infection.

HSV-2 is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, not from parent to child during pregnancy or childbirth. However, there is a small risk of transmission to the baby if the mother has an active genital herpes outbreak or newly acquires HSV during late pregnancy. In such cases, precautions are taken during delivery to prevent neonatal herpes, which can be serious for newborns.

Most often, pregnant women with genital herpes have antibodies that cross the placenta and provide temporary protection for the baby. After birth, the risk of transmission is minimal through regular child care and contact.

I would advise both you and your partner to consult your doctor or a sexual health clinic. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation, test for herpes if needed, discuss ways to reduce transmission risk during pregnancy/delivery, and answer any other concerns.

Please don't hesitate to reach out for factual information on herpes or other STDs. However, for any medical advice tailored to your case, it's best to speak to a qualified healthcare professional. I'm here to provide friendly support along the way.
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