Hi, I've been exposed to HSV 1 genitally. About 2 weeks after I first came in contact with it I noticed a small bump on my labia, near my clitoris, which resembled a small scratch. A day or two after I noticed the 'scratch' I was ill with a fever (which was much worse at night) for about a week. I also experienced prodrome symptoms of tingling and shooting pain in my genitals and legs. I had my GP swab the 'scratch', but the swab results came back negative. However my new partner has been tested (blood test as he had no visible signs) and he has tested positive for HSV 1. I am still experiencing quite strong prodrome tingling/pinching around the area of the initial 'scratch'. It's almost constant, to the point that I'm aware (and relieved) when it does stop for a few minutes or hours. When I saw my gp for the initial swab she prescribed Valtrex which I took at the recommended dose for an initial outbreak. No more blisters appeared other than the initial 'scratch' and one other bump which my gp dismissed as an ingrown hair (but it was quite painful and grew so quickly that I'm certain it was not an ingrown, but rather, a blister that was halted by the Valtrex). I'm currently taking suppressive treatment (500 mg per day) due to the constant prodrome. It has been 5 weeks since the initial 'scratch' and fever/prodrome.
1) how common is a constant predrome with no actual outbreak? And (statistically) can I expect relief soon?
2) if I am experiencing constant prodrome with no outbreak should I consider myself contagious?
3) what is the likelihood of me passing genital HSV 1 to a new partner genitally? Can genital HSV 1 be passed from genitals to a partner's mouth?
4) should I continue the 500 mg of Valtrex daily? Is it possible the only reason I'm not experiencing an outbreak is because of the Valtrex?
5) I understand HSV 1 is more mild than HSV 2, and there is less likelihood of transmission to a partner (due to asymptomatic viral shedding). How careful should I be with future partners?
Many thanks, in advance, for your response.