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Antiviral Agents For Pregnant Women With Genital Herpes, Christopher Wenner Md

Articles

Clinical Question

Do antiviral medications prevent perinatal transmission of genital herpes to neonates?

Evidence-Based Answer

There is no evidence that the use of antiviral agents in women who are pregnant and have a history of genital herpes prevents perinatal transmission of herpes simplex virus (HSV) to neonates. [Strength of recommendation: A, based on multiple systematic reviews] However, treatment with antivirals during the last month of pregnancy does reduce the rate of HSV outbreaks in pregnant women and the resultant need for cesarean delivery. [Strength of recommendation: A, based on multiple systematic reviews]