Thank, you Jenn, for you comments. But from a scientific point of view, I must offer an alternative opinion. Lysine, in multiple well done clinical trials, has not shown to impact the course of genital herpes outbreaks or recurrence rates, and no food or foods have been show in well done clinical trials to have any impact on the rate of herpes recurrences.
Also, 95% of the US population over the age of 45 are positive for having had chicken pox and a very large percent have had mono, so that has nothing to do with the acquistion of genital herpes and does not predispose one to getting herpes.
I do agree that there are good dating websites for people who have herpes if that's the route you chose.
Just have to stick to the science so we keep it on the up and up!
Terri
Hi,
Reading your post was as if I had written some of it. A few years older then yourself I have also been living with this since 1989. Have tried medications, but prefer to use Lysine. Also online you an find foods high in Lysine. Try and reduce your intake of L-Argine as that seems to trigger outbreaks, as does stress.
I contacted this from my first husband and new it when dating. It didn't take long for me to contract it and I have often wondered if I have a low immune system and pre-disposed to due having a bad case of chicken-pox and mono.
When divorcing dating with Herpes was scary 12 years ago. It doesn't seem to be as a negative label these days. There are dating sites for those with Herpes and that is where I meet my current husband. Depending on where you live there are also local support and social clubs. Once you get involved with these you will be more relaxed an surprised about how many people are effected by this.
Taking 500 mg of Valtrex daily reduces the risk of transmission by almost 50%. If you are going back in the dating/sexual activity scene, then I would suggest that you consider daily therapy as an important option. There is no relationship between getting HSV 2 and having or getting the other herpes viruses that you mention, none. I would strongly suggest that you read and watch a bit more for answers to your questions: you can read the Herpes Handbook for free and watch a patient counseling DVD on our clinic website, westoverheights.com, and I have a book on Amazon, The Good News about the Bad News, that is comprehensive, and will serve as good reference for you, particularly about how to tell partners as you enter this next phase of your life. I'm sorry about your divorce, I know that's difficult, and I'm sure you have some anxiety about telling people you have herpes, but I think it goes well for most people, and I hope it goes well for you, too.
Terri