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Would taking Valtrex right after initial exposure minimize the first outbreak?
I believe that I was exposed to HSV2 about 8 days ago. I had flu-like symptoms for 5-6 days, but have not developed any sores, yet. However, I do have three small painless whitish 'bumps' on my penis. If I started taking Valtrex now, would that minimize my chances for a bad first outbreak? If so, should I be taking 1000 mg 2x a day or just once? Thanks!
Don’t take Valtrex until your test. Get to an urgent care to get the sores looked and swab tested. Antivirals can skew test results and delay antibody production, so the test won’t pick up the infection.
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I appreciate the response! That said, I am confused. Please bear with me, because I am no Doctor. Once I am exposed, isn't my body trying to fight the intruder virus right away? If Valtrex slows the "growth and spread" of the virus (per here: https://www.drugs.com/valtrex.html) wouldn't taking Valtrex now make it easier for my body to attack the virus? I guess, I am not clear as to why waiting until I have full-blown open sores is beneficial. Do you think it is counter-productive to take Valtrex in advance? To be clear, I am not worried about test results right now, I am hoping to avoid a terrible initial outbreak. Thanks again and I do appreciate you taking the time to respond!
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
