Question:
ive had HSV for almost a year and i haven't had an outbreak since. which im really happy about. I dont take meds figure i haven't had an OB right? Any ways i was wondering if i do start taking valtrex or any other suppressives even though i dont have an OB can it reduce the chance of spreading or making it less contagious? thanks

Answer:
Why take meds you don't need? If you haven't been having any ob's, your immune system must be handling things okay on it's own. I don't take them either. Never have, never will. If you don't have any symptoms, the chances of you passing it on is pretty slim anyway. Why mess with a good thing?

Answer:
I agree w/Writer....why take meds if you don't need to!!?? your wonderful, beautiful, fabulous immune system is doing better than ANY med can ever do.

And it is really up in the air in regards to suppressive meds helping in the prevention of transmission. It merely helps, maybe, but CAN still be passed to a non H partner...so screw it. The way I see it, why jack up YOUR immune system. Many people have rebound outbreaks when they get OFF the meds and your body will become reliant on them. So...phhht. ;-)

Answer:
Well......yeah that makes sense. I am very proud of how my wonderful, beautiful immune system is doing so i'll just let it do its job. thanks for you reply. hope you all are doing well.....

Answer:
I agree with all of you. I am assymptomatic but my boyfriend at one point asked me to take the meds anyway--because he had read and been told that it reduced the shedding by 50%. I took them briefly for his sake (we do not use condoms) but I was afraid that my immune system, which is obviously working great, would be compromised. My boyfriend was very hurt when I told him I did not believe in taking the meds and that I wanted to stop (which I did). He is still getting over this and feels it's a sign I don't truly love him. How would you guys deal with this? Obviously my actions are nothing against him. My immune system, in my understanding, is our best defense against transmission. But he does not see it that way.

Answer:
I agree with everyone here. I think that our bodies immune system is a power house. I, too, haven't had another ob, and am not on any medicine.... i've only had this about 4 months, but still, I am looking to see 4 months into 1 year, 1 year into 2 years... i pray for that!!

i will only take medicine if it gets to the point that it will help reoccuring ob's. Down the line, if I am dating someone that doesn't have HSV, I will discuss with them what they are comfortable with. If I can help prevent their contracting this HSV, that is something to consider greatly

And, the medicine is kinda scary for me.... it hasn't been on the market that long, and i am paranoid of what medication does to our brains, our bodies, etc in the long run...

Answer:
i figure if i keep my immune system healthy i wont get any outbreaks, besides it does seem scary to mess with your body with medication. thats why i am eating healthy now and i feel really good about it. i always used to eat out and never eat at home.....so i guess if i could say anything good, if there is anything good to say about this ugly virus, i certainly watch what i eat and im proud to say that i take better care of myself. Hope everyone is doing good.

caveman,
im sorry to hear that your bf thinks you dont love him as much because you dont want to take meds. i have a bf too, and i think all you really can do is keep educating them in hopes that they will understand

Answer:
And it is really up in the air in regards to suppressive meds helping in the prevention of transmission. It merely helps, maybe, but CAN still be passed to a non H partner...so screw it. The way I see it, why jack up YOUR immune system. Many people have rebound outbreaks when they get OFF the meds and your body will become reliant on them. So...phhht. ;-) i totally agree.