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HERPES
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Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Genital herpes infection is very common and on the increase in the United States. Nationwide 45 million people aged 12 and older (1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population) are infected with HSV-2.
It is more common in women (1 out of 4) than in men (1 out of 5) possibly because male to female transmission is more efficient than female to male transmission.
HSV-2 infection is also more common in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage, facing fundamental issues of health such as:
access to quality health care
poverty
living in communities with a high prevalence of STDs
illicit drug use
The Herpes Virus
HSV-type 1
causes fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes)
HSV-type 2
typically affects the genital area (genital herpes)
Both viral types can:
be inactive or 'silent' causing no symptoms
cause either genital or oral infections
cause 'outbreaks' of blisters and ulcers
People can remain infected for life after the first initial episode
Herpes is spread by direct contact including:
Sexual contact
Anal sex
Oral sex
Vaginal sex
as well as
Kissing
Skin-to-skin contact which transmits HSV-1 and HSV-2
Genital herpes
Can be transmitted with or without the presence of sores or other symptoms
Is often transmitted by people who do not realize infection can be passed on even when there are no symptoms
Is often transmitted by people unaware they are infected
Statistics
An estimated 40 million people have genital herpes which is a chronic viral infection
About 500,000 new people get symptomatic herpes each year
There are even more people without symptoms
Genital herpes infection
has increased 30% in the U.S.
has increased most dramatically among young white teens (12-19 years old)
among whites is 5 times higher than 20 years ago
is twice as likely to infect 20-29 year old adults
Questions
How serious is Herpes?
Mild symptoms can be experienced with HSV-2, but often no apparent symptoms are present.
HSV-2 may cause recurrent painful genital ulcers and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. Severe genital herpes frequently causes psychological and emotional stress.
If a woman with HSV-2 is pregnant, potentially fatal infections in infants can occur. A cesarean -section delivery is usually carried out if a woman has active genital herpes at time of giving birth.
People infected with herpes may be more susceptible to HIV infection, and HIV-infected individuals may be more infectious.How do you know if you are infected with genital herpes?
Many people with HSV-2 are sometimes not aware that they are infected.
Some people infected with HSV-2 do not have lesions or may suffer only very mild, almost unnoticeable, symptoms which are sometimes mistaken for insect bites or a rash.
Symptoms of the primary episode can be quite pronounced. The primary episode usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted and lesions usually heal within 2-4 weeks of outbreak.
Other symptoms may include a second crop of lesions, or flu-like symptoms including:
fever
swollen glands
A primary episode of genital herpes can cause several symptomatic recurrences a year (average 4 or 5). Most recurrences occur more often within the first year following the primary episode.
Herpes simplex, a recurrent viral infection, caused by Herpes Virus hominis (HVH), is a widespread infectious agent, which is very hard to control. As well there are latent herpes associated infections.
Symptoms vary, but often most people have no noticeable symptoms.Early symptoms may include:
burning sensation in the genitals
flu-like symptoms
lower back pain
pain when urinating
Small red bumps may appear in the genital area after initial symptoms, which later develop into painful blisters.
The blisters usually:
crust over
form a scab
heal
GENITAL HERPES
The First Outbreak
Symptoms usually develop within 2-20 days after contact, but could continue up to 2 weeks.
The first infection may be so mild it goes unnoticed. In other cases, the first attack causes visible sores. Subsequent recurrences of the virus may cause an outbreak of blisters.
The virus retreats into the nerves and lies dormant. Even when there are no symptoms of herpes, transmitting the virus is still possible (asymptomatic viral shedding).
Healing of the skin does not normally leave scarring.
Typical Symptoms
When it gets into skin cells the virus reproduces itself and starts to multiply, making the skin red and sensitive.
Blisters or bumps may appear on the genital area, the blisters first opening and then healing with the regeneration of new skin tissue.
During the outbreak the infected area may:
be painful
burn
itch
tingle
Other symptoms include:
fever
headache
infection of the urethra causing a burning sensation when urinating
muscle ache
painful inflamed blisters which develop around the infected area
swollen lymph glands
vaginal or penis discharge
The first episode is the most severe, with most episodes lasting 10-21 days. A warning sign (prodrome) such as tingling is experienced by many people in recurring outbreaks.
Should any of these symptoms occur, consult your doctor or other health care provider immediately.
Genital herpes should be diagnosed and treated professionally.
Diagnosis can be made by:Blood Test
A blood test for herpes is available only in a few research centers.
Microscopic Examination of Tissue Scrapings
In this process, scrapings from lesions are stained and then examined under a microscope.
This test is less accurate than viral cultures, as it is difficult to ascertain which type of HSV infection is present.
One common test is called a Tzanck smear.
Results of the tests take up to 2 weeks.
Viral Cell Culture Test
The test is a specific virus culture or assay for herpes virus.
The doctor or health consultant will obtain fluid from the sores and send it to a laboratory to see if the herpes virus is present.
A viral culture is a fluid sample taken from a lesion when it first appears. Highly accurate results can be given from a culture taken while the lesion is still in the clear blister stage, but the process takes a few days.
The test will not work if the sores have healed.
Immune Response TestsThese tests detect the body's immune response to the herpes virus and are slightly less reliable than viral cultures, but more reliable than tissue scrapings.
Results can sometimes be provided in two hours.
Other available tests:
Antigen test
Pap Smear
Identifying Your Type
Not everyone knows whether they have HSV-1 or 2 and in certain situations that information could be relevant.
In a situation where both partners have HSV-2 both are already infected so precautions to prevent the spread of the disease are optional.
If one partner has genital HSV-1 and the other has HSV-2, each might get infected with a second type unless precautions are used.
HSV- 1
Diagnosing genital HSV- 1 is difficult because the infection seldom recurs. Since many people have HSV-1 orally, a finding of HSV-1 by Western blot serology (blood test) would not positively identify genital infection.
A Western blot confirms if you have HSV-2. If you are seronegative (negative by blood test) for type 2, but positive for type 1, that gives you a strong clue as to the cause of your outbreaks, i.e. seropositive for type 1 but not type 2, with infrequent recurring genital herpes is probably genital HSV1.
Seek immediate professional help if genital herpes is suspected. Some of the available diagnostic procedures become less reliable the longer you wait.
CONDITIONS CONFUSED WITH HERPES
Listed below are some other conditions sometimes mistaken for herpes:
Bacterial or yeast infections
do not usually produce blistering
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)
are gray with a distinct edge
usually occur inside the mouth
usually heal within 10-14 days without treatment
Impetigo
is a highly infectious bacterial disease
often produces crusty blisters
is more common among children
Molluscum contagiosum (molluscum)
like herpes, molluscum is a viral infection of the skin
unlike herpes, molluscum produces lesions that are raised, with a central dimple
Syphilis
is a bacterial infection
causes chancres sometimes mistaken for blisters caused by genital herpes
Unlike genital herpes, Syphilis does not usually produce a cluster of blisters, and it usually responds well to antibiotics.
Herpes is spread through:
anal sex
oral sex
vaginal sex
To help prevent the spread of herpes:
avoid any sexual contact if you are infected
limit the number of sexual partners
use latex condoms
visit a local sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic, hospital, or your doctor if you are infected
Genital herpes infections can be spread by people with no noticeable symptoms.
The herpes virus is also transmitted through:
caressing infected areas
kissing
touching
Associated Herpes Viruses
Herpes is a disease posing great risk to the community and is of growing public health importance. Keeping yourself informed is your best protection. The Herpes family of viruses is large.
Human herpes viruses include:
Epstein-Barr Virus
Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2
Human cytomegalovirus
Varicella-Zoster virus
These viruses cause or are associated with a whole spectrum of diseases ranging from infectious mononucleosis to malignancies and mental retardation and have the ability to cause more than one kind of disease.
Herpes Type I
affects the skin and mucous membranes
is transmitted by oral and respiratory secretions
produces cold sores or fever blisters
Herpes Type II
is transmitted by sexual contact, with cross-infection possible from oral/genital sex
primarily affects the genital area
Approximately 85% of all HV infections are sub-clinical, the others produce localized lesions and systemic reactions.
After the first infection, a patient is susceptible to recurrent infections brought on by:
fever
heat and/or cold
menses
stress
In recurrent infections there may be no constitutional signs and symptoms. Herpes occurs equally in males and females.
Herpes Zoster
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) is an acute unilateral and segmental inflammation of the dorsal root ganglia caused by infection with the herpes virus, varicella-zoster, which also causes chicken pox.
Herpes Zoster usually occurs in adults producing:
localized vesicular skin lesions confined to a dermatome
severe neuralgic pain in peripheral areas especially the nerves arising in the inflamed root ganglia
Prognosis
Unless the infection spreads to the brain eventually most patients recover completely, except for possible scarring and, in corneal damage, visual impairment. However, in some cases neuralgia may persist for months or years.
Herpes zoster results from reactivation of the varicella virus that has lain dormant in the cerebral ganglia or the ganglia of posterior nerve roots after infection from chicken pox.
The virus is thought to multiply as it is reactivated and is neutralized by antibodies remaining from the initial infection. However, the virus continues to multiply in the ganglia, destroys the host neuron, and spreads down the sensory nerves to the skin if effective antibodies are not present.
Herpes zoster is found primarily in adults over 50 and seldom recurs.
Onset of herpes zoster is characterized by:
fever
malaise
Within 2-4 days, severe deep, continuous pain may develop
Other symptoms may include:
hyperesthesia (abnormally increased sensitivity to stimuli)
paresthesia (an abnormal or perverted sensation, such as burning or tingling due to disorder of the sensory nervous system)
pruritus (itching)
This usually occurs on the trunk and occasionally on the arms and legs lasting from 1-4 weeks.
Small red nodular skin lesions can continue to erupt on the painful areas up to 2 weeks after the first symptoms.
Infection by the cytomegalovirus (DNA, ether sensitive virus belonging to the herpes family) occurs worldwide and is transmitted by human contact.
About 4 out of 5 people over the age of 35 have been infected with cytomegalovirus usually during childhood or early adulthood. In most of these people, the disease is so mild that it is sometimes overlooked.
CMV infection during pregnancy can be hazardous to the fetus, possibly leading to:
brain damage
neonatal illness.
other birth defects
stillbirth
Cytomegalovirus has been found in:
blood
breast milk
cervical secretions
feces
saliva
semen
urine
vaginal secretions
Transmission usually occurs through contact with the infected secretions, which harbor the virus for months or even years
Risk Groups
Immunodeficient patients
AIDS patients or those who have received transplanted organs are a high risk for contracting CMV infection.
Immunodeficient patients and those receiving immunosuppressives may develop pneumonia or other secondary infections
Recipients of blood transfusions
Recipients of blood transfusions from donors with positive CMV antibodies are at some risk
Cytomegalovirus is thought to be spread through the body in lymphocytes or mononuclear cells to the lungs, liver, and central nervous system where it often produces inflammatory reactions.
The disease usually runs a self-limiting course.
Infectious mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is an acute infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes group which usually affects young adults and children.
Infectious mononucleosis produces:
an increase in lymphocytes and monocytes
cervical lymphodenopathy
development of heterophil antibodies
fatigue
fever
headaches
hepatic dysfunction
malaise
sore throat
temperature fluctuations
Recovery prospects are excellent
Other infectious diseases with symptoms similar to mononucleosis include:
Cervical lymphodenopathy
Hepatitis
Rubella
Toxoplasmosis
Symptoms usually subside about 6-10 days after onset of the disease but may persist for weeks.
Over 80 known viruses exist within the Herpes family, 8 of which are known to cause disease in humans, the most common being Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 look identical under the microscope, and either type can infect the mouth or genitals. HSV-1 usually occurs above the waist, and HSV-2 below the waist.
HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUSESHerpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) commonly causes herpes labialis also called:
cold sores
fever blisters
oral herpes
The virus produces highly infectious open sores that crust over before healing.
Although less probable, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes.
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2)
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is a contagious viral infection primarily causing genital herpes in men and women.
Symptoms of genital herpes include:
bumps
rashes in the genital areas
recurrent clusters of blisters
HSV-1 and HSV-2
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause other diseases including:
Herpes simplex encephalitis
a rare but potentially fatal herpetic infection of the brain
Neonatal herpes
a rare but potentially severe HSV infection in a newborn
is caused by transmission of the virus from mother to baby during delivery
Herpetic whitlow
an HSV infection of the finger
caused from transfer of the infection from another part of the body or from direct contact with another
is more prevalent amongst health care workers
Herpes keratitis
an HSV infection of the eye
can cause blindness
Herpes gladiatorum
an HSV infection, usually of the skin, acquired during wrestling
skin can become abraded or scraped, during a wrestling match, allowing a herpes virus to enter the body and establish an infection
Unlike viruses such as influenza which can be transmitted through the air, herpes simplex viruses require physical contact.
They are frequently transmitted through:
mouth-to-mouth contact (HSV-1)
genital-to-genital contact (HSV-2)
hand-to-genital
mouth-to-genital
Herpes Viral Infection
Some common herpes viruses and the diseases they cause are:
Varicella-zoster virus
chickenpox
shingles
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1)
cold sores
fever blisters
Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2)
genital herpes
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
mononucleosis
FINDING A TREATMENT THAT WILL WORK BEST FOR YOU.
Genital herpes is manageable. Over the years, a number of treatments offering effective relief from symptoms of genital herpes and cold sores have been developed (see list below).
According to a survey conducted by the American Social Health Association in 1991, most patients with Herpes try between two and five different therapies.
These include:
- Prescription drugs
- OTC "cold sore" treatments
- Herbal remedies
- Vitamins
- Nutritional changes
- Psychotherapy
- And more
The standard, effective and specific treatment for genital herpes is antiviral therapy, which is usually in tablet form.
Antiviral drugs stop HSV from replicating in the body. The treatment only works while you are taking the drug, and cannot prevent future outbreaks once you stop taking it.
Antiviral treatments can:
- shorten the duration of a genital herpes outbreak and help speed healing
- reduce the number of outbreaks suffered or prevent them altogether for some people
- help to reduce viral shedding (only if taken daily as a suppressive therapy)
These medical drugs are usually synthetically made and their usage should be very strictly monitored.
Antiviral medications can be used in two ways:
1. To treat outbreaks as they happen ('episodic' treatment). With episodic treatment, the aim is to shorten the time each outbreak lasts and to relieve symptoms. If you are coping well and your outbreaks are not too frequent, you and your doctor may agree that episodic treatment is the most appropriate option.
2. To prevent or delay recurrent outbreaks ('suppressive' therapy). If your recurrent outbreaks are frequent or severe your doctor may recommend that you take oral antiviral medication every day to help prevent outbreaks happening. Suppressive therapy is taken continuously, e.g. daily, for months or even years.
Oral antiviral medication is only available by prescription.
You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.
BELOW IS A LIST OF CURRENT HERPES TREATMENTS (in alphabetical order)
Dynamiclear is a popular topical product (applied externally) and is used on active skin lesions.
The use of Dynamiclear can result in:
Rapid healing of the infected area
Smaller, less intense outbreaks
Partial/Complete end to symptoms associated with the herpes simplex virus
Dynamiclear is similar in its molecular structure to an earlier molecule used to purify water and is based around the action of Sulphur and the herb Hypericum (St John's Wort).
The antiseptic and antibacterial qualities of Sulphur have been appreciated for hundreds of years and was successfully used last century to stop infection in soldiers' battle wounds. More recently, Sulphur has been employed as the basic fundamental molecule in modern antibiotics.
It has been shown by demonstration that Dynamiclear will usually kill any herpes virus that it encounters. Immediately after application to the broken blisters mild to strong burning is felt. This appears to be the Dynamiclear molecule running down the peripheral nerves, killing the virus as it goes. Most users report a rapid drying out of the blister with the area first going black, quickly followed by the forming of a healthy scab.
There is strong evidence to indicate local eradication of the virus. Total eradication of the virus may be related to the duration of the infection and/or the strength of the virus strain acquired. Dynamiclear treatment used soon after the initial infection by the virus appears to be very successful because the virus has not yet permeated throughout the body.
The company can provide a list of user reviews claiming moderate to total success.
No noticeable side effects but a sharp to moderate stinging pain on application may be felt. Pain is sometimes strong and feels as if it were running down the nerve, but soon subsides. Not recommended by manufacturer during first 14 weeks of pregnancy.
As with all treatments, in rare cases an individual may be sensitive. A skin sensitivity test should always be performed to ensure sensitivity is not a problem.
Purchase Dynamiclear (a topical herpes solution)
Essential oils produce strong powerful results against skin infections and when used internally purge the blood of most pathogens.
Active ingredients vary from terpenes and sesquiterpenes through to ketones, aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and phenols.The most commonly used essential oils are:
- LAVENDER
Essential oils are the refined active ingredients of flowers, leaves and roots of plants, and as such are very strong and can even be toxic when used in large quantities and to excess. As with all topically applied products, always do a skin sensitivity test to first determine if you have any unusual allergy.
Essential oils work very well when used for the right problem. Against the herpes virus there have been many, many reports of successful treatments. It seems to depend on the individual, one oil works well for one person and not so well for the next.
One product that has earned a good reputation in the herpes community is H-away made by the Healing Natural Oils company. H-away consist of pure essential oils specially selected and combined for use on herpes outbreaks.
H-away adheres to very strict quality standards. It is 100% pure, all natural and CERTIFIED ORGANIC. All extracts and essential oils in H-away have been tested to be 100% chemical and pesticide free, no synthetic substances present. Healing Natural Oils are a safe, efficient and affordable means of dealing with herpes and cold sore outbreaks.
The manufacturer claims that herpes outbreaks have been permanently eliminated by using H-away and H-prevention (a blend of essential oils that can be applied to strengthen the skin and prevent future recurrences).
H-away and H-prevention are composed of essential oils such as May Chang, Tea tree, Geranium, Hazelnut and other specially formulated natural ingredients. These blends use separate anti-viral essential oils and plant extracts that are all medically proven to inactivate the herpes virus.Purchase Essential Oil Blends for Herpes
Famvir is approved in some countries for daily use as a suppressive therapy (your doctor will be able to advise you if this is the case in your country). When it is used in this way, it has been shown in clinical trials to increase the time between outbreaks. For suppressive therapy, Famvir is taken two times every day.
When it is used as an episodic treatment Famvir is normally taken three times a day, or two times a day to treat recurrent outbreaks.
You should consult your doctor for further information about using Famvir for your particular situation.
Like all treatments, Famvir will not work for everyone. If this is the case for you, try taking a different antiviral medication or a traditional or topical treatment such as those listed below.
Famvir works in the same way as the other two antiviral drugs on the market, Valtrex and Acyclovir, but will sometimes work in cases where the others will not, and vice-versa.
As with Valtrex and Acyclovir, Famvir can be helpful when taken within 72 hours of the initial tingling or symptoms.
Full list of Famvir side-effects
Most commonly reported side effects are headache, nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Other side-effects may include vomiting and fatigue.
As with the other suppressive herpes medications, serious complications have been reported in some cases where people have had an immune system that is not normal because of advanced HIV disease, or bone marrow or kidney transplant.If you are interested in trying Famvir and already have a prescription, this medication can be purchased from the following online store at below retail prices:
Herpes outbreaks are often affected by the food you eat, in particular the levels of the amino acids Lysine and Arginine.
The herpes and cold sore virus needs arginine to grow and replicate and cannot flare-up without this amino acid. Another amino acid called Lysine helps to solve this problem by balancing high arginine levels in the body.If you supplement 1250mg of LYSINE into your daily diet this can help to prevent the virus from becoming active, which has many benefits:
Can reduce itching, tingling and pain related to herpes
Stop cold sore and genital herpes outbreaks from developing
Prevent or reduce the chance of a recurrence
Slow down the growth of the herpes and cold sore virus
Reduce the herpes virus "replicating"
Other diet supplements that can be helpful to stop flare-ups:
- VITAMIN C
- BIOFLAVONOIDS
- ZINC
All of these nutrients are obtained naturally through the diet, so when taken in sensible doses the chance of any adverse effect is very small, if any.
Improving your diet with supplements is a simple and effective way to reduce herpes outbreaks. Lysine is very effective for most people if it is taken as directed. Note that this supplement MUST be taken in sufficient quantities for it to have any result. The dose must be high enough to affect the amount of "Arginine" being produced by the body. It is recommended to take 2 x 625mg Lysine tablets daily for maintenance.
There is substantial evidence to support the fact that vitamins and minerals can help to stop herpes virus symptoms from occurring. In particular, the most effective supplements are vitamin C, zinc and bioflavonoids and they should be taken together in order for the body to absorb them properly. Scientists attribute the effectiveness of these nutrients on herpes conditions to their ability to build up immunity and improve the function and resistance of the skin.
Purchase a herpes supplement containing Lysine
Herbs have been used for their medicinal properties for hundreds of years, on both humans and animals. Each herb works most effectively when chosen specifically for each person and ailment. The active ingredient in most herbs is an alkaloid, a very toxic molecule if taken in considerable excess.
When using herbs it is best for safety and quality purposes to buy standardized extracts, usually dispensed by accredited Herbalists or Naturopaths. You are then guaranteed to get quality/regulated concentrations, that if taken according to directions should cause no harm.
This advice only applies to the very strong and toxic medicinal herbs - not those that are used in the common kitchen to help our immune systems and flavor our foods.
The following have all been shown to have anti-viral properties against Herpes Simplex:
Andrographis paniculata
Olive leaf extract
Prunella vulgaris
Echinacea
Cactus opuntia streptacantha
Red marine algae
Melissa officinalis
Licorice
Astragalus
Golden Seal
How some herbs can halt the herpes virus, including:
ANDROGRAPHIS - has the power to interfere with the way a "retro-virus" alters healthy DNA. Herpes is a retro-virus which at this point in time cannot be cured because the virus manipulates the DNA of healthy cells. Andrographis can be effective in stopping this process.
OLIVE LEAF - can reduce Herpes Viral Shedding (where the virus can spread without showing symptoms). It also boosts immune resistance against herpes, which can help to prevent infection. Combine with Andrographis to improve the immune system's function against HSV.
ECHINACEA - very effective in preventing viral infections, including warding off a herpes or cold sore infection
Immune Support is a product that contains Andrographis, Olive Leaf and Echinacea "standardized".
This process of 'standardizing' guarantees that you get the right concentrations of the herbs to work properly.
There are several medicinal herbs that are beneficial in dealing with most viruses:
LAVENDER - widely known for its rapid anti-staphylococcus and streptococcus effects, but is also beneficial against the cold sore/herpes virus.
MYRRH - a plant herb that yields a therapeutic toxic resin renowned for curing severe ulcers, as well as chest and blood infections from viruses and other pathogens.
SAGE - a moderately strong antiseptic that will kill most bacteria and viruses that it comes in contact with.
The following herbs may also be beneficial:
All of these have a greater or lesser affect on pathogens, such as bacterium and viruses, within the human physiology.
Medicinal herbs should always be taken as directed, by an experienced practitioner or health care provider. Many herbs have side effects if taken in excess or used incorrectly.
Relies on the principle that if we increase the blood concentration of oxygen its action is extremely potent against pathogens such as viruses and bacterium.
Many reports are received of persons claiming partial to complete success with oxygen therapy.
Unfortunately if the blood concentration of oxygen exceeds a certain limit it is dangerous to normal cells, but this should not happen if the directions are followed.
Hydrogen peroxide should not be used as an oxygen source since most sources of hydrogen peroxide are not prepared for internal use and often contain high levels of unacceptable impurities.
Specific Antiviral Therapies:
Valtrex is the same drug as its generic counterpart, Acyclovir, just at a different concentration. This means that to get the same result you need to take more of the Acyclovir more often.
Acyclovir is just as effective as Valtrex but it is less convenient (because you need to take more pills more frequently). Acyclovir also tends to be much less expensive. It is a more affordable option than Valtrex.
Valtrex is generally taken twice daily when used as an episodic treatment. For suppressive treatment, Valtrex is taken once daily, or sometimes twice a day if outbreaks are very frequent.
When taken as soon as the first signs of an outbreak are noticed (such as tingling, itching or redness) Valtrex may be able to completely prevent the development of an outbreak.
When used as an episodic treatment, Valtrex can help the sores heal faster and shorten the period of pain during the outbreak. If taken everyday, Valtrex may help to cut down the time during which the virus is detected on the skin (virus shedding).
Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.
