mr_hopp

This is common for even those in the medical profession being in a dark about a lot of this stuff, unfortunately. So it's not you, it's the system. PCR is preferred to a culture. It has a much higher sensitivity and it provides results much faster (less than 24 hours vs. about a week for culture). For example, in this study, culture missed half the cases (although it was a small study, but is a valuable data point): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6156304/ Also, it's important to note that sensitivity of the testing method decreases as the outbreak advances, lesions heal, and during subsequent occurrences.

I get how your head can be spinning from all this, but just take this one step at a time for now. Don't future-spiral! 🙂 Once you get a definitive result, then we can take it from there. To your question: For a PCR test for herpes, a doctor will swab or scrape a sample from a sore. The sample is then sent to a lab to look for genes from the herpes virus. The test can detect viral DNA and distinguish between HSV1, HSV2, and VZV. Results usually come back within 24 hours. The PCR test is the most commonly used test for herpes and is very accurate, almost 100% (if enough sample is swabbed to be detectable).

Hey there @Min64! First of all, kudos to you for reaching out and seeking clarity on this topic. It's important to have open discussions and make informed decisions about your sexual health. So, let's dive into your questions: 1. When it comes to having oral and/or intercourse with each other, the good news is that both of you already have genital HSV1 and the antibodies in your system. This means that the risk of reinfection or transmission between the two of you is quite low. However, it's still a good idea to avoid sexual contact during an actual outbreak. As @AlliKat12 mentioned, touching a sore and then touching other parts of your body can potentially spread the virus, especially within the first year of having herpes since your body hasn't had enough time to get it under control. So, a little break during an outbreak is a wise move. 2. As for oral sex, the risk of transmitting HSV1 to your mouths is generally minimal when you already have the same strain genitally. The presence of antibodies in your system offers some protection. However, it's important to note that there is still a very slight possibility of transmission, especially if either of you has an active outbreak. But ironically, since genital HSV-1 sheds way less than oral HSV-1, your risk of spreading it orally is much less than kissing someone with a history of cold sores (basically a euphemism for oral HSV-1). More data breakdown in the free handouts here: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook 3. Alongside the precautions mentioned, it's always helpful to maintain good overall health and manage stress levels. A healthy immune system can play a role in managing herpes and reducing the frequency of outbreaks. Additionally, open communication and ongoing support for each other are key. Remember, having a shared understanding of your diagnosis and supporting one another emotionally can make a significant difference in navigating this journey together. I hope this helps shed some light on your questions! And as always, keep in mind that everyone's experience with herpes can vary, so it's essential to listen to your bodies, stay informed, and adapt based on your unique circumstances. Wishing you both the best as you continue to explore your sex lives while being mindful of your health. You've got this!

Hi @worriedlily, I'm really glad you found your way here, and I want to assure you that you're in a safe and supportive space. We're all here to lend an ear and offer a virtual shoulder to lean on. I'm truly sorry for the loss of your pregnancy and the added weight of receiving a herpes diagnosis. It's a lot to process, and it's okay to feel a mix of emotions right now. Grief, confusion, and a sense of loss are all completely valid reactions. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. (After finding out about my herpes diagnosis, I also cried in the parking lot for a long time, in my mom's lap.) As for the timing of your symptoms and the possible transmission, herpes can be tricky and unpredictable. It's indeed possible for the virus to remain dormant for years and then decide to make a grand appearance. It's not an exact science, and the circumstances surrounding outbreaks can vary from person to person. Having open and honest communication with your partner is important, but I understand it might feel overwhelming at the moment. Take your time, and when you're ready, sharing your concerns and experiences can help both of you gain a better understanding of the situation. And thanks @AlliKat12 and @My_dog_is_hungry for sharing your story and support. Hearing from others who have walked a similar path can be comforting and reassuring. And yes, absolutely life with herpes is manageable, and while it may take time to adjust, many people find their way and live fulfilling lives. It also took me years from when I was first exposed to herpes (my then-girlfriend cheated on me and we had unprotected sex during her first outbreak) before I had my first official outbreak. I've also been in relationship with my wife for 6+ years and she remains herpes-free. You're part of a caring community now, filled with folks who are here to listen, share their insights, and provide comfort. Feel free to lean on us whenever you need. There's no pressure to have it all figured out right away. Healing, both physically and emotionally, takes time. Take care of yourself, my friend. You've already shown strength by reaching out and sharing your thoughts. Remember, we're here to support you every step of the way. Sending you a warm virtual hug and positive vibes. You got this.

Hey there, First of all, I want to acknowledge how challenging and overwhelming this whole situation must be for you. It's never easy when you're experiencing symptoms and trying to figure out what's going on. I'm not a medical professional, but I can offer some general insights and support. It sounds like you've been through quite the rollercoaster with various tests and potential diagnoses. Dealing with uncertainties can be frustrating, but hang in there, and hopefully, you'll get some clarity soon. While I can't provide a definitive diagnosis, I can offer a couple of thoughts. It's important to remember that symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone experiences the same level of pain or itching during a herpes outbreak. Additionally, herpes can present in different ways, and clusters of pustules are one possible manifestation. I understand that waiting for test results can be anxiety-inducing, but try to stay positive and patient until you can get the PCR test done on Monday. And you're right: Blood tests are only accurate a few months after an initial exposure, so PCR swab is going to be the best and most accurate thing to do in your case. In the meantime, take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and practicing good hygiene. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. It's great that you've reached out for support and shared your concerns here. Keep seeking guidance from healthcare professionals who can offer the appropriate tests and advice based on their expertise. Sending you positive vibes and wishing you a speedy resolution to this situation. Hang in there, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!

Welcome @laketodo! When it comes to shaving and its potential to trigger outbreaks, the concern primarily lies with non-herpes carriers who may create small tears or breaks in their skin during the shaving process. These breaks in the skin can provide an entry point for the herpes virus, increasing the risk of transmission. However, for individuals who are already HSV2 positive, it works a bit differently. The virus resides in the nerve pathways that connect to the surface of your skin. When an outbreak occurs, the virus travels along these pathways to either bring about an outbreak or asymptomatic viral shedding. Because of this, having cuts or abrasions on your skin doesn't give the virus better access to the surface or increase the likelihood of transmission to others. So, in your case, using that specific shaver that provides a close clip/trim shouldn't create tears in the skin that make it easier to transmit the virus to a negative person. As long as you're not experiencing an active outbreak, the risk of transmission remains low. It's worth noting that while shaving can sometimes trigger outbreaks for some individuals, it doesn't seem to be a concern with the trimmer you mentioned because it’s so gentle on your skin. However, it's always a good idea to pay attention to your skin's response and make sure to keep it well-moisturized and protected after shaving. In summary, for individuals who are already HSV2 positive, like yourself, the risk of transmission doesn't increase due to cuts or abrasions from shaving. Just be mindful of your skin's overall health and any potential triggers that may cause outbreaks. I hope this helps!

The reported sensitivity and specificity of herpes IgG tests can vary, and different studies yield different results. IgG tests is the industry standard blood test for herpes, but like you said, there are enough false positives and false negatives to not give a definitive enough answer. This is why I always suggest getting a Western Blot test, which is the gold standard and will give you unmatched accuracy. It costs a couple hundred bucks, but it's worth it for peace of mind and knowing for sure whether you have it or not. The only thing about blood tests that is important to know is that for them to be accurate, you need to wait 3-4 months (via the CDC) to give antibodies enough time to build to detectable levels (the exact time frame varies depending on where you look; Western Blot literature says 2 months). Even the best blood tests available do nothing for detecting recent infections.

It's hard to do visual examinations for you since we're not doctors and it's based on a photo, so take what we say with a grain of salt. With that said, herpes outbreaks are normally a cluster of blisters that does have sensation involved with it (itching, burning, pain, etc.) so my hunch is that isn't a herpes outbreak, but to be sure you'd need to see a doc and get it swabbed.

Hey there, @Yana234! 😊 When it comes to hair loss, it's important to remember that there can be several factors at play. And in your case, it sounds like you've been dealing with a lot lately – a new diagnosis, personal challenges, the loss of a dear friend, so much! It's no wonder you're trying to connect the dots and understand what's going on. Regarding Valtrex (valacyclovir) and its potential side effects, it's true that hair loss is not commonly reported as a side effect of the medication. However, individual experiences can vary, and there have been a few isolated cases where hair loss has been associated with the use of oral acyclovir, a similar antiviral medication. I came across an article from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) — "Alopecia Following Oral Acyclovir for the Treatment of Herpes Simplex Keratitis" — that discusses a case of acyclovir-induced alopecia (hair loss) in a patient being treated for herpetic keratouveitis. The patient's hair loss resolved completely after discontinuing oral acyclovir treatment. This case highlights the possibility of drug-induced alopecia, although it's important to note that it's considered a rare complication. If you suspect a connection between your hair loss and Valtrex, it would be best to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or your primary care doctor. They can provide a more accurate assessment based on your specific situation and medical history. In the meantime, let's focus on some good, old-fashioned self-care! Stress can definitely worsen hair loss, as @My_dog_is_hungrymentioned, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is crucial. How about incorporating activities like exercise, meditation, or indulging in hobbies that bring you joy? Taking care of your overall well-being, including maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle, can also help promote healthy hair growth (as well as healthy growth in general). 😉 Hang in there! You've got this, and we're here to support you every step of the way. 💪

I'm seeing the same thing in my research, too, that it "may increase your risk of developing herpes infection, for example shingles or cold sores." But of course, I'm no doctor, and since this is such a specific case, could you reach out to your doctor or RinvoQ directly to see what they say? It seems to work on your immune system in such a way that can make you more susceptible to develop infections, which I would also assume would increase herpes outbreaks since it's our immune systems that help keep future recurrent outbreaks at bay. I wonder if it’s something you could try to see how it affects you and if the negatives outweigh the positives that you could stop taking it with no drawbacks?

Hi @Yana234! If you've never had an oral HSV-1 outbreak (98-99% of all oral herpes is HSV-1) and your only site of infection with the virus is genital, then it will tend to stay in that zone. However, transferring HSV-1 from your genitals to your mouth is possible if you touch a genital outbreak then touch your mouth (since there's so much virus being shed during an outbreak; much less during asymptomatic viral shedding, so autoinoculation doesn't tend to happen unless you have a full outbreak), so just wash your hands after touching an active outbreak to avoid autoinoculation. FYI, the longer you have herpes, the less likely autoinoculation is because your own antibodies will inhibit such spread to other parts of your body. Other than autoinoculation, HSV-1 won't migrate on its own from genitals to mouth. Mainly because genital HSV lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) at the base of the spine while oral HSV lies dormant in the trigeminal ganglia near the base of the skull. So whether it's HSV-1 or HSV-2, it doesn't move up or down, respectively, without our "help" via autoinoculation. Does that help?

Hi @Yana234, welcome! As @AlliKat12 said, it's common to take 500mg of Valtrex twice a day for a few days as an episodic treatment. So, what you're doing right now sounds on track. And since we're not doctors, take this as peer-to-peer guidance that you can clarify with your doc when you find a good one. (And don't put up with anyone who gives you the least bit of shade or shame about having herpes; there are plenty of good docs out there who are totally understanding!) As for the topical acyclovir cream, it can be used as a secondary antiviral alongside oral medication if you think it's necessary. Some find it helpful in relieving symptoms, while others may not find it as effective. It's worth a try if you believe it could provide additional relief. A study named "Efficacy of topical acyclovir cream in first and recurrent episodes of genital herpes" says that topical acyclovir cream showed significant improvements for individuals experiencing both first episodes and recurrent episodes of genital herpes. In both cases, the duration of symptoms, time to healing of lesions, and formation of new lesions were reduced compared to the control groups.

I totally get your question! It's actually possible for some people with HSV2 to experience other symptoms without visible outbreaks. So, it's not uncommon to have symptoms like pain or discomfort during urination, frequent urination, or even flu-like symptoms without seeing any visible sores. But also remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors unrelated to herpes. To get a clear answer, it's best to consult a healthcare professional, especially a sexual health specialist. They can provide proper testing and guidance, taking into account your specific situation. (I don't know where you are in the world, but if you have a Planned Parenthood near you, they are top-notch when it comes to STI knowledge and care.) Self-diagnosing based on symptoms alone can be misleading and lead to unnecessary worry. Hang in there, and don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional who can provide accurate information and care tailored to your needs. You're taking the right steps by seeking answers and support. Take care and keep us posted!

IgG tests is the industry standard blood test for herpes, but there are enough false positives and false negatives to not give a definitive enough answer. This is why I always suggest getting a Western Blot test, which is the gold standard and will give you unmatched accuracy. It costs a couple hundred bucks, but it's worth it for peace of mind and knowing for sure whether you have it or not. The only thing about blood tests that is important to know is that for them to be accurate, you need to wait 3-4 months (via the CDC) to give antibodies enough time to build to detectable levels (the exact time frame varies depending on where you look; Western Blot literature says 2 months). Even the best blood tests available do nothing for detecting recent infections.

Hi @ylu09 and welcome! I totally get the fear and uncertainty about this. It can be super overwhelming with so many question marks floating around with not as many clear answers. All of us have gone through this in some capacity. But hang in there, you will be okay! The symptoms you list have been associated with herpes, but they're also tied to a whole lot of other things, including other STIs. So it's great that you have been consulting a doc about this stuff since a lot of your questions require a medical professional and we can't do much to help you directly answer you. However, it's important to be gentle with yourself and remember that we all make mistakes. What's done is done, and after the smoke from this experience clears, focus on learning from this experience and using it as an opportunity for personal growth. Regret can be a powerful teacher. It can motivate us to make better choices moving forward and be more mindful of our actions. It's a chance to reflect on our values, boundaries, and what we truly want for ourselves. Stay strong, and know that you're not alone in this journey. We're here to support you. Keep us updated on how things progress, and feel free to reach out with any more questions or concerns you may have!

Hey there, I can totally understand how frustrating and disheartening it can be when those pesky herpes outbreaks start popping up out of the blue after years of relative calm. And you're not alone in experiencing this. I myself hadn't had any outbreaks for years and just recently had an outbreak. (And I'm also a member of the herpes 1&2 club! Prestigious.) 😎 Now, let's tackle each of your questions: 1. Is there a possibility that I could have acquired another strain of herpes that is stronger? Well, the chances of acquiring a stronger strain of herpes are quite low. Once you have both HSV-1 and HSV-2, your body develops antibodies that provide some level of protection against re-infection with the same type. However, it's important to note that outbreaks can vary in severity due to various factors such as stress, immune system fluctuations, and other individual factors. To get a clearer understanding of what's going on, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and shed light on the recent increase in outbreaks. This is a peer-to-peer forum, so don't take any of this as official medical advice. 2. I've read that some people have resistance to valacyclovir and it doesn't work - could that be the case? While it's possible for a small number of individuals to have a reduced response to antiviral medications like valacyclovir, it's actually quite uncommon. Valacyclovir (or Acyclovir, which is what I take) is generally an effective treatment for managing herpes outbreaks and reducing viral shedding. However, if you feel that the medication isn't providing the relief you expected, have a chat with your healthcare provider. They can assess your specific situation, evaluate your treatment plan, and make any necessary adjustments to address your symptoms. 3. Is it possible that starting to take valacyclovir daily has made the virus 'wake up' and cause more outbreaks? Starting suppressive therapy with valacyclovir is usually intended to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, so it's not very common for the medication to trigger an increase in outbreaks. However, everybody's response can vary. It's important to remember that the first few months of suppressive therapy may involve an adjustment period as your body adapts to the medication. If you continue to experience persistent outbreaks or new symptoms, it's definitely a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. 4. Has anyone else gone years without an outbreak and then had a few in a row? Absolutely! It's actually quite common for individuals with herpes to experience periods of remission or very few outbreaks for a long stretch of time, only to be followed by a sudden cluster of outbreaks. Outbreak frequency can be influenced by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, weakened immune function, and overall health. Sharing experiences and insights with others who have faced similar situations can be really helpful, so kudos for reaching out and sharing what's going on for you and asking these questions. Stay strong, keep reaching out, and remember that you have the power to rise above any challenges that come your way. We're here to support you every step of the journey. Take care!

Thanks for sharing what works for you, @Pips33, welcome! Great to have your positive perspective and helpful attitude here. And a big congrats for your upcoming marriage!

First off, good job taking responsibility for your sexual health and getting tested. That's a proactive step towards staying informed and taking care of yourself. And about the likelihood of HSV-1 and HSV-2 transmission in your situation, the use of a condom greatly reduces the risk of transmission (by around 50%). Condoms are highly effective in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including herpes. So, that's definitely a positive aspect of your encounter. It just all depends on if she does have herpes, then sometimes outbreaks happen in places that a condom won't cover (base of penis, for example). Now for the blood test results: The IgG test measures the presence of antibodies to the herpes viruses, indicating past exposure to the virus. A result above a certain threshold is considered positive. In your case, your HSV-1 result of 1.88 is considered positive, indicating that you have been exposed to HSV-1 at some point in your life. HSV-1 is the virus commonly associated with oral herpes or "cold sores." It's important to note that the test doesn't specify the location of the infection, so it could be oral or genital. The HSV-2 result of 1.06 is equivocal, which means it falls in a gray area and is not definitively positive. Further testing may be needed to confirm the presence of HSV-2 antibodies. It's worth mentioning that IgG tests can sometimes yield false-positive or false-equivocal results, especially at low values. There can be variations in test accuracy and sensitivity. If you want to be absolutely sure, then you should get the Western Blot test. It's a couple hundred dollars, but it's the gold standard. But to get an accurate reading for this recent exposure, you need to wait 3-4 months (via the CDC) to give antibodies enough time to build to detectable levels (the exact time frame varies depending on where you look; Western Blot literature says 2 months). Even the best blood tests available do nothing for detecting recent infections. In terms of symptoms, it's important to remember that not everyone who is infected with herpes will experience noticeable symptoms or sores. Many people with herpes, especially HSV-1, are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed. So, the absence of symptoms doesn't necessarily rule out the possibility of infection. All in all, you're right — a one-time encounter has a very small likelihood of transmission, but it has been known to happen. Sorry, there's just no definitive answer I can give you. It's all a game of chance and odds. Try not to be too hard on yourself. We all make choices, and it's important to learn from them and take steps to protect our health going forward. If you have any further questions or need more support, feel free to reach out. Take care of yourself, and remember that knowledge is power when it comes to your sexual health. Wishing you the best!

That’s the correct dose for suppression using Valtrex. And you’re correct about episodic treatment: Valtrex 500 mg orally 2 times/day for 3 days (per CDC link above)

Hey there @Mark007 Thanks for opening up and having the courage to share your thoughts and feelings. It's completely normal to have worries and thoughts that consume your mind, especially when it comes to the well-being of your loved ones. I want to assure you that you're not alone, and we're here to provide support and offer some perspective. Firstly, let's address the guilt you mentioned with your wife. It's understandable to feel a sense of responsibility, even though you can't pinpoint the exact source of the infection. However, it's important to remember that herpes can be sexually transmitted even when no symptoms are present (asymptomatic viral shedding), and it's often challenging to determine the exact timing and source of infection. The most important thing is that you and your wife have been able to navigate your relationship with understanding and without harboring ill will towards each other. This shows the strength and resilience of your connection. And bravo for that! Now, let's focus on your concerns about your children. It's commendable that you want to provide them with a worry-free environment as they pursue their education, but ironically, you're the one taking on all of the worry! And the good news is that it's mostly unnecessary: The risk of transmitting herpes through casual contact or shared items is extreeeeemely low. Herpes is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area during periods of viral shedding or when visible symptoms are present. As you mentioned, you don't experience outbreaks and have never had symptoms, and the amount of virus that is shed without any outbreaks is too small to get passed to others via non-sexual ways. While it's important to practice good hygiene and considerate behavior, excessive handwashing and obsessing over every possible scenario isn't doing you much good. You can find a balance by maintaining regular hygiene practices, such as handwashing and ensuring personal items are not shared in intimate ways. However, casual contact or incidental exposure to objects is highly unlikely to lead to transmission. Why? Because the herpes virus doesn't survive very long at all in open air: It needs warm, moist environment to survive. Open air is its enemy. Hence why it's known as a sexual/intimate virus. It's understandable that your thoughts may feel irrational and overwhelming, but it's crucial to challenge them with factual information. Meeting paranoia with facts is the antidote. The common misconception that herpes is highly contagious and easily spread can perpetuate unnecessary anxiety. By understanding the actual modes of transmission and the low risk involved in your situation, you can find a sense of relief and peace of mind. Here's an article for more on that: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/how-can-you-get-herpes If these thoughts continue to consume your mind and impact your daily life, it might be helpful to consider seeking one-on-one support, either from a therapist or I also provide coaching (more details on herpes resiliency coaching). You can get guidance and strategies to help manage anxiety and find ways to navigate these concerns effectively. And remember, the facts are your friend. Then practicing believing those facts is the next step. 😉 Remember, you're doing the best you can as a parent and a partner. By staying informed, maintaining open communication, and focusing on creating a supportive and loving environment for your family, you're already taking important steps to ensure their well-being. Take care, and remember that we're here for you whenever you need support or have any more questions.

Thank you for your beautiful words! I feel it! It's fulfilling to me to see people like you changing their lives for the better. Honored to be even a small part of your healing process. 🙂

Thanks for the update and congratulations on having the courage and grit to get help and be helped and help yourself. I’m oh-so glad to hear you’re Moving Forward! (I’m now convinced that the screen name you choose comes true in real life.) 🤭

Ah, I thought you saying 2x500 twice a day meant just taking 500mg twice a day! Sorry, I indeed misread. 1000mg twice a day is definitely not right for daily suppressive therapy. To suppress, Valtrex should only be once daily @ 500mg (only once because Valtrex has a longer half-life, so it stays in the body longer than other meds like acyclovir). What your doctor prescribed seems to be the same regimen that is usually suggested for an initial outbreak, which should only be followed for the first 10 days. So definitely talk to them about it for clarification on what a/he is prescribing to you. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Hey there @Terrifiedtotell First of all, welcome to our community. I'm really glad you found us and decided to share your thoughts and feelings here. It takes a lot of courage to open up about such personal experiences, and I want you to know that you're not alone in this journey. I can sense the fear, shame, and frustration in your words, and I want to assure you that these feelings are completely understandable. Dealing with a lifelong condition like herpes can be challenging, especially when it comes to dating and relationships. But let's take a moment to unpack some of the thoughts you've expressed. It's important to remember that having herpes does not define your worth as a person or determine your ability to find love and meaningful connections. You are so much more than your diagnosis, and there are people out there who will see and appreciate all the wonderful qualities you possess beyond your physical appearance. We've all been there: Rejection is tough for anyone, and it's understandable that it hits you particularly hard due to ADHD and rejection sensitivity dysphoria. But here's the thing, my friend: rejection can say more about the other person than it does about you. It's their loss if they can't see the amazing person you are beyond this one aspect of your life. The right person will be able to see beyond any physical condition and appreciate you for who you are. (And hey, sometimes it really isn't a good match, not necessarily a rejection of you as a human being!) Now, let's talk about disclosure. I know it can feel terrifying to have that conversation with a potential love interest, but remember that openness and honesty are essential in any relationship. They're not only essential, but this kind of authenticity and vulnerability (along with self-confidence) is absolutely magnetizing to the person who is right for you. Know that. It's important to disclose your status at a time that feels right for you, when there's a level of trust and connection. (The barometer is this: "Can I trust this person with my vulnerability?") Some people choose to disclose early on, while others wait until they feel more comfortable. It's a personal decision, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The right person will listen, understand, and accept you for who you are. Including your herpes diagnosis. Including your ADHD. All of it ... Wrapped up in a unique package that is You. Have you downloaded the free e-book and handouts? Those are a great start to reframing all of this. Get them here: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook And here are some resources that can help to reframe your thinking even further: The herpes talk = success: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/the-herpes-talk-success When do I have the herpes talk? https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/when-do-i-have-the-herpes-talk Rewriting your narrative: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/sexual-shame-rewriting-your-narrative Rejection is a state of mind: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/rejection-is-a-state-of-mind An alternative to stressing: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/an-alternative-to-stressing A simple reframe to switch your fear of the herpes talk: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/a-simple-reframe-to-switch-your-fear-of-disclosing Become stigma bulletproof: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/herpes-stigma-how-to-become-bulletproof And while therapy may not be a feasible option for you at the moment, I want to encourage you to explore other resources that can help with your anxiety and other challenges you face. Online support groups like this one, books, or self-help resources can provide valuable insights and coping strategies. Taking care of your mental health is essential, and there are often alternative ways to seek support. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Our community is here to provide support, understanding, and a safe space for you to express yourself. We believe in you, and we're here to remind you that you are worthy of love, acceptance, and happiness. Take things one step at a time, be kind to yourself, and keep reaching out whenever you need support. We're in this together, and brighter days are ahead. Sending you virtual hugs and positive vibes!

Hi @danawhite, that dosage is in alignment with what I've seen. (And this is just as peer-to-peer info; I'm no doctor.) However, when Valtrex is used as daily suppressive therapy, it should only be *once* per day, not twice. You only take Valtrex 2x/day for 3 days for episodic treatment (when you're having an outbreak to lessen the severity of the outbreak). FYI, Acyclovir for daily suppressive therapy is twice daily (once in the morning, once at night). Also, as far as the stomach stuff goes, are you taking it after you've eaten something? Don't take on an empty stomach. Here are some reputable sources to check out: This article from NIH talks about taking 500mg daily of valacyclovir (Valtrex) brings down the chance of passing it to your partner by around 50%: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2687913/ Similarly on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/herpes.htm#:~:text=Treatment with valacyclovir 500 mg daily decreases the rate of HSV-2 transmission for discordant heterosexual couples in which a partner has a history of genital HSV-2 infection (also shows helpful "recommended regimens" sections)