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Discontinuing acyclovir
I started having very mild genital herpes outbreaks about eight months ago, and for this outbreak (only one small blister) I decided to take acyclovir tablets and acyclovir cream. I have no pain or itching. I have taken it for a day and a half, 200 mg every 4 hours, omitting the nighttime dose. My blister is pretty much gone, and Im wondering, would it be okay to stop taking the acyclovir? I read everywhere that Im supposed to take it for 5 days, but is it for the same reason as antibiotics? As in the infection could get worse? I feel like that would only be for initial infections or ones that are more severe for herpes, not mild recurrent ones, but Im really not sure. Can I stop taking it? What do you guys recommend?
If you are the in US, then consider going for a Westernblot as this will give you the right answer. It seems like it is ambiguous, so this would be a good move. Even if HSV1 is positive you may need to consider the chances you have an oral infection.
I see. So I believe my first exposure was actually around a year ago. Because around that time I had the worst couple outbreaks. Painful lymph node and swelling, burning urination, and tiny bumps turned to blisters and then ulcers on my glans. A few doctors said it wasnt herpes that it was fungal, but then a couple doctors said it was herpes despite failed tests. Do you recommend that I do the IGG test again? I think the first time I did it it was 2-4 months after original exposure.
If the IgG test was 12 weeks or more past possible exposure then you will not have genital HSV2. Is your test 12 weeks plus? What is your result for HSV1?
Hi, thanks for the reply. Yes, I am 90% sure I have genital HSV2. I got did a couple blood tests and a swab tests on various occasions and came back negative, however I don't think it could be anything else. Tingling, then tiny red bumps that turn to blisters and pop open into tiny ulcers. At first I thought it was fungal or perhaps from friction, but it has been recurrent since about eight months ago. This is the 5th or 6th time.
So you think it would make no difference if I stopped taking it? I've read a few times that I'm supposed to finish the dose or the 5 day cycle. But I didn't think virals were the same as antibiotics. Like if I stop taking it the virus will mutate and get worse or replicate faster and become stronger. I'm just afraid this will happen but I don't know enough about it.
So you think it would make no difference if I stopped taking it? I've read a few times that I'm supposed to finish the dose or the 5 day cycle. But I didn't think virals were the same as antibiotics. Like if I stop taking it the virus will mutate and get worse or replicate faster and become stronger. I'm just afraid this will happen but I don't know enough about it.
Acyclovir works by binding with the building blocks of virus replication. Hence it doesn't really do you much harm starting or stopping dosage. In many ways, I consider it too late once an outbreak commences to start with antivirals; bit a drop in the ocean next to your immune system kicking into gear!
It is a bias, but I am of the view that antivirals if taken should be taken daily for the reduction in outbreaks and shedding.
That is only for genital HSV2 as well, is this what you have?
It is a bias, but I am of the view that antivirals if taken should be taken daily for the reduction in outbreaks and shedding.
That is only for genital HSV2 as well, is this what you have?
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
