Hi. I have problems with the herpes viruses also. I found out this was directly linked to a deficit and function issue in my naturall killer cells. This is a rare disorder but like you - I feel my viruses have traveled and presented differently over the ears. Antivirals are a daily must for this problem AND you should look into finding a naturall killer cell specilaist and have your cells tested for both the count (to see if your are low) and also the function. The rib pain you wrote about sounds JUST like the shingles pain I expereience with and without a rash appearing. NK cells are the first line of defense in fighting herpes family viruses. Go on the internet and research the connection. One link here http://www.dadamo.com/wiki/wiki.pl/Natural_Killer_(NK)_Cells