Valtrex

OK. So its been nearly 2 months since I've been diagnosed with this inconvenience. Since I never had a "noticeable outbreak", every little itch or tingling that I get spooks me (The reason why I say that is because the time I had sex with my ex, I did have some tingling and 5 days later he had small blisters on his penis, so I know he contracted it from me).

My new doctor gave me a year's prescription of Valtrex for suppressant therapy, but I dont know when I am suppose to take it. The bottle is just sitting in my drawer collecting dust. I guess I am wondering if it really reduces the viral shedding (What is the difference between shedding and an outbrea anyway) or transmission to an uninfected partner? What about L-Lysine and something about kelp that helps to reduce it too. I guess I am just confused since I dont know what an outbreak really is!

Sometimes I forget that I have this....

[gracefromHHP]

lysine isn't effective for herpes. we don't recommend it.

if you have a regular partner who you are trying to reduce the risk of transmission to, then take valtrex every single day. If you don't currently have a partner and aren't having any painful recurrences, no reason to take it at this time. make sense?

grace

[FallenAngel2011]

Thanks, you definitely made it sound better! No reason to pump myself full of drugs unneccesarily! Is there a real difference between shedding an outbreak?

[Mistakeguy789]

Yes.  Shedding means that the virus is active and can be transmitted without active symptoms (blisters, bumps, rash, etc).  An outbreak is when you have symptoms.  :-)  Keep asking questions.