Question:
Hey guys, I'm new to this site and this situation. I posted a question last nite, but i think I went to the wrong forum. I'm 99% sure I have H and went to the doctor yesterday. H e did a visual and like me thought the same thing. He sent me for some blood work and now the wait is on. He also perscribed Valtrex to me and I'm curious is this the right meds? He had to look the perscription up in a book. Need some' any advice?

Answer:
hi silverking,

yes, valtrex is the correct (and many would argue) best medication for herpes. my doctor recommended starting valtrex as soon as possible to suppress the symptoms. after the initial outbreak the benefit of remaining on valtrex for suppressive therapy is contestable. i prefer remaining on valtrex because during outbreaks the virus replicates itself and there is the very real possibliity of infecting other soft-skin parts of my body. i don't mind taking a pill a day (i already do for propecia), and i haven't had a subsequent outbreak since my first outbreak. i have had some prodrome symptoms, which i attribute to the newness of the disease in my body.

i should tell you that i had the initial outbreak in the beginning of july. i intend to continue valtrex daily for at least another month, until i learn what type of herpes i have. because of my immediate reaction, there's a good chance i have genitally manifested type 1 herpes, which recurrs so infrequently as to make valtrex unnecessary. should i have type 2, i'll decide, then, whether or not to continue the suppressive therapy. should i get into a relationship, i would absolutely continue it as it reduces transmission significantly. for the most part, many people on valtrex who use condoms in addition to their medication, report no (or very few) acts of transmission to a negative partner.

i hope this helps. there is some good stuff on this site, but there are also a fair amount of people who are dealing with the stigma and tend be from communities that overreact to stds like herpes. keep your wits about you on here!

good luck,

herps2005

Answer:
I'm still taking two a day until I renew py perscription. then i'll probably go to one a day. your'e input has been greatly appriciated.

Answer:
Smart plan. That's what I did. I think the suppression of as much as possible is helpful both physically and mentally within the first few months. I now take one a day unless I have an outbreak, in which case I take two a day.