Valtrex and other antivirals..

First, I'd like to ask whether you have been diagnosed via testing such as a type-specific culture or blood test like the HerpeSelect IgG for types 1 & 2? If not, this might be something else. I'm guessing not since most doctors would, upon diagnosing herpes would give you a prescriiption for Valtrex, acyclovir or famvir, all similar antiviral meds.

Assuming that it is genital herpes, you should probably consider getting a prescriiption for one of the antivirals. If cost is an important factor, generic acyclovir would be the way to go since it's now off patent and the generic is quite inexpensive. The down side is that you have to take it more often.

All of the antiviral drugs act by interfering with the replication of the virus that is latent in the infected nerve cells. To date, they are the most effective treatment that we have for herpes. The invention of the first of these antivirals garnered an Nobel Prize in medicine.

Because they very specifically target one chemical reaction peculiar to herpes replication, the drugs are very safe.

I highly recommend two web sites.. One has the free Herpes Handbook -
http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook.html
You can read it online or download it and print it.

The other site I'd recommend is the Original Herpes Home Page peer support discussion forum at
http://racoon.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi


let me know if I can help further.