How Long After Taking Valacyclovir Can You Drink Alcohol?

Herpes symptoms: know what to look for – Herpes Last updated: Oct 10, 2019 6 min read Experts say that alcohol doesn’t affect the way valacyclovir works. Alcohol warnings aren’t listed on antiviral drugs like valacyclovir ( Steckelberg, 2019 ). Valacyclovir can be used to treat outbreaks.

• It can also be prescribed to be taken regularly to prevent outbreaks altogether.
• Although consuming alcoholic beverages isn’t explicitly prohibited while taking the medication, Valtrex (valacyclovir) is known to cause side effects like headache (13% to 38%), nausea (5% to 15%), abdominal pain (1% to 11%), fatigue (≤8%), depression (≤7%) and dizziness (2% to 4%) — all of which can also be caused by alcohol.

Therefore, excessive alcohol consumption is not recommended ( UpToDate, n.d.). If you have questions about taking valacyclovir with alcohol, it’s best to talk with a healthcare provider. Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.

What happens if you drink alcohol with valacyclovir?

Valtrex and Alcohol: Other Factors to Consider – It may be relatively safe to combine Valtrex and alcohol when a person is drinking in moderation. However, you should always consult your health provider before combining Valtrex with alcohol or any other medications or drugs.

There are also other significant factors to consider before combining Valtrex and alcohol. For one, Valtrex can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, which are relatively common. If you use Valtrex with alcohol, it can make side effects worse. For example, a person may be more likely to experience nausea than he or she would if Valtrex was being used on its own.

As noted, there is a chance for side effects such as dizziness with the use of Valtrex. Alcohol use can also cause dizziness, so consuming it while using Valtrex can cause this side effect to be more intense. For this reason, people who use these two substances should probably avoid certain activities while doing so.

Can I have one drink on valacyclovir?

Although no drug interactions exist between alcohol and Valtrex, it is still best to avoid alcohol while taking the medication. Alcohol can impair your immune system, making your infection harder to treat. Further, both drinking and Valtrex can cause nausea, potentially worsening that side effect.

Is it OK to drink alcohol while taking antivirals?

Does moderate alcohol use interfere with shingles treatment? – Answer From Pritish K. Tosh, M.D. Generally, it’s best to avoid alcohol during shingles treatment. Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. An episode of shingles usually heals on its own within a few weeks.

However, immediate shingles treatment — often including an antiviral drug, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex) — can reduce pain, speed healing and reduce the risk of complications. Although alcohol warnings aren’t specifically listed in the product labels for the antiviral drugs most often used to treat shingles, it’s usually best to avoid mixing alcohol and medication.

Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, as well as increase the risk of side effects, such as dizziness, especially in older adults. With Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.

How long does valacyclovir stay in your system?

Valacyclovir for First Herpes Outbreaks – For first-time herpes outbreaks, valacyclovir is most effective when it’s used within 48 hours of symptoms appearing. Once valacyclovir has converted into acyclovir, it has a half-life of 2.5 to 3.3 hours in people with normal renal function.

Meaning Valacyclovir stay in your system from 2.5 to 3.3 hours for normal people. The standard dosage of valacyclovir for first-time herpes outbreaks is 1,000 mg two times per day over a period of 10 days. Valacyclovir usually starts treating herpes symptoms as soon as it’s in your system, but can take several days to produce a noticeable improvement.

It can take up to 10 days (or, in some cases, even longer) for herpes blisters to heal even with valacyclovir treatment. This makes it important to start treatment as soon as you notice herpes symptoms. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe valacyclovir for a longer period than 10 days or at a different dosage.

What not to do while taking valacyclovir?

5. Tips –

Take valacyclovir exactly as directed by your doctor and for the exact time prescribed, even if your symptoms improve. May be taken with or without food. Valacyclovir treatment is best started within 24 hours of symptom onset (ie, rash, blisters, tingling, burning). Data suggests valacyclovir is most effective if started within this time. Keep valacyclovir suspension in the refrigerator and shake well before use. Discard any unused portion after 28 days. Drink plenty of water while taking valacyclovir and do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. Although valacyclovir treats viruses, it is not effective against the flu or the common cold. If you have a shingles rash or a cold sore, try and keep it as clean and dry as possible. Be careful not to transfer the virus to others; ensure you do not share linen, such as towels. Wearing loose clothing may help prevent a shingles rash from becoming irritated. If you are taking valacyclovir for genital herpes or cold sores avoid sexual contact until you have finished the course of treatment. At other times, always use a condom, because herpes can be transmitted in the absence of symptoms. Seek urgent medical advice if you have any signs of an allergic reaction (such as hives; difficulty breathing; facial or throat swelling). Herpes infections are highly contagious and you should cover your rash and avoid intimate contact. Also, avoid touching the rash and then your eyes. Wash your hands frequently. If you have treated yourself for genital herpes and it recurs, then seek retreatment as soon as possible. If you have recurring cold sores, initiate treatment as soon as possible following the onset of symptoms (tingling, burning, or itching). Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy because acyclovir (the active form of valacyclovir) crosses the placenta into the unborn child. Acyclovir also passes into breast milk.

What not to mix with valacyclovir?

Interactions – Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist,

• Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
• Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that may cause kidney problems (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen ).
• Valacyclovir is very similar to acyclovir,

Do not use medications containing acyclovir while using valacyclovir. Does Valtrex interact with other drugs you are taking? Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Why do you need to drink water with valacyclovir?

What might help – If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call a doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If the doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to valacyclovir, they’ll decide if you should continue taking it. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care. If the doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to valacyclovir, they may have you switch to a different treatment. Keeping track of side effects During your valacyclovir treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having.

You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments. Your side effect notes can include things such as:

what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effecthow soon you had the side effect after starting that dosewhat your symptoms werehow it affected your daily activitieswhat other medications you were takingany other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how valacyclovir affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed. Valacyclovir may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions.

(This is known as a drug-condition interaction.) Other factors may also affect whether valacyclovir is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting this drug. Factors to consider include those described below. Bone marrow transplant or kidney transplant.

Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had a bone marrow transplant or kidney transplant, If you have, taking valacyclovir may increase your risk of the blood conditions thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome, Your doctor may monitor you for symptoms of these conditions, such as fever or red spots on the skin, while you’re taking valacyclovir.

1. If you notice symptoms of these conditions, call your doctor right away.
2. Idney problems, including dialysis.
3. Tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems or if you’re on dialysis,
4. Your kidneys remove valacyclovir from your body.
5. So if they aren’t working well enough, the drug may build up in your system.

This can increase your risk of side effects and could worsen your kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may recommend a lower dose of valacyclovir for you. Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to valacyclovir or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you.

Ask them about other medications that might be better options. HIV or AIDS. If you have HIV or AIDS, tell your doctor before starting valacyclovir. This is because you may have an increased risk of the blood conditions thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Your doctor may monitor you for symptoms of these conditions, such as fever or red spots on the skin, throughout your valacyclovir treatment.

If you notice symptoms of these conditions, call your doctor right away.

Do you have to drink a lot of water with valacyclovir?

Proper Use – Valacyclovir works best if it is used within 48 hours after the first symptoms of shingles or genital herpes (e.g., pain, burning, or blisters) begin to appear. For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, valacyclovir works best if it is used within 24 hours after the symptoms begin to appear.

If you are taking valacyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox, it is best to start taking valacyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash appears, usually within one day. Valacyclovir may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. If you are using the oral suspension, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately.

The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems. To help clear up your infection, keep taking valacyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days.

Do you have to take valacyclovir everyday for the rest of life?

December 11, 2019 / in MacArthur Minute / Educate yourself about sexual health.

Herpes affects about 1/5 adults. (20%) It is spread through close skin contact, typically during sexual activity. You cannot catch herpes from toilet seats, hot tubs, or any other objects. Once exposed to the virus, herpes never leaves your body; however, not everyone who is exposed will develop symptoms The most common symptoms of an active herpes outbreak are small, fluid-filled blisters on the genitals, buttocks, or mouth. They typically are very painful and may burn. You may experience flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, fatigue) a few days before the lesions develop. These are called prodromal symptoms. The first herpes outbreak is typically the most painful and typically lasts longer than recurrent outbreaks. About 90% of people who have an initial herpes outbreak will develop a subsequent outbreak. We diagnose herpes by two methods — either by a skin culture or by blood work. Typically both are used together in addition to a physical exam. The skin culture can only be done when you have an active lesion. A positive result confirms the diagnosis of herpes, but a negative result does not rule it out.The blood work will show us if you have been exposed to herpes in the past but may not confirm if a genital lesion is an active herpes outbreak There is no cure for herpes, but we can treat the symptoms with antiviral medication. You do not have to take medication for the rest of your life if you have been diagnosed with herpes. Many people only take medication during active outbreaks. If you have frequent recurrent outbreaks, you can take the antiviral medications daily to help suppress future outbreaks. Recurrences tend to be triggered by stress or a weakened immune system. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to reduce stress and boost your immune system, decreasing your chances of recurrence, but not eliminating them. If you develop herpes during pregnancy, we can treat it with the same antivirals. You can still deliver your baby vaginally, if you do not have an active herpes outbreak at the time of delivery. You should not be sexually active if you have an active outbreak, as you will transmit the virus to the other person. Using a condom can reduce the risk of transmission, but does not protect against all cases. Herpes cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated. With the use of medications, most patients are able to lead a normal, healthy life despite the diagnosis.

Thank you Sexography for publishing this article on Medium By: Summer Migoni https://macarthurmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/18-migoni.png 766 834 MacArthur Medical Center https://macarthurmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/macrthurmc-1-300×138.png MacArthur Medical Center 2019-12-11 00:43:55 2021-03-23 14:21:23 18 Facts About Genital Herpes That Everyone Should Know

Can I have a glass of wine with acyclovir?

Official answer – by Drugs.com Alcohol will not interfere with the way the antiviral drugs works. Acyclovir will still be effective. However, the general advice is if you are suffering from any type of infection is that you are best to avoid alcohol so that you can give your body the best chance to fight off the infection and to reduce the risk of side effects, such as dizziness, especially in older adults.

Do antivirals mess up immune system?

Abstract – Immune functions were evaluated in vitro for PBMC isolated from healthy donors and cultured with the antiviral agents, 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT), ribavirin, ganciclovir, 2’3′-dideoxyinosine (ddI), or acyclovir. To identify methods for assessing the effects of antiviral drugs on immune cells, the PBMC response to mitogens, Con A, or phytohemagglutinin was evaluated from measurements of thymidine and -leucine incorporation, cell growth, cellular RNA, DNA, and protein levels, and the PBMC proliferative cycle (i.e., progression from G0-G1-S-G2 + M).

At clinically relevant concentrations, AZT, ribavirin, or ganciclovir diminished PBMC responsiveness to mitogen. The numbers of proliferating cells in G1, S, and G2 + M phases of the cell cycle, DNA content, and thymidine uptake were decreased in cultures treated with AZT, ribavirin, or ganciclovir. AZT or ribavirin but not ganciclovir reduced RNA and protein in the cultures and inhibited cell growth.

Whereas AZT, ribavirin, or ganciclovir were antiproliferative, ddI or acyclovir had little, if any, effect on PBMC mitogenesis. The inhibitory effects of antivirals on immune cells may contribute to the immune deterioration observed in patients following prolonged use of the drugs.

Is 7 days of valacyclovir enough?

Valacyclovir Dosage for Shingles – Valacyclovir is also used to treat shingles – a painful form of herpes skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. The standard dose of valacyclovir used to treat shingles is 1,000 mg taken three times every day.

Valacyclovir treatment for shingles usually goes on for seven days, although your doctor may recommend continuing valacyclovir if your symptoms are slow to improve. Just like with cold sores and oral herpes, valacyclovir is most effective when it’s taken as early as possible after noticing shingles symptoms.

It’s recommended to begin using valacyclovir in 72 hours or less after noticing signs of a shingles outbreak. Valacyclovir is also used to treat recurrent outbreaks of shingles. These are extremely rare and tend to occur in people with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as leukemia or HIV, or the use of immunosuppressive medications.

Can I take valacyclovir longer than 3 days?

Proper Use – Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex ® Valacyclovir works best if it is used within 48 hours after the first symptoms of shingles or genital herpes (e.g., pain, burning, or blisters) begin to appear. For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, valacyclovir works best if it is used within 24 hours after the symptoms begin to appear.

If you are taking valacyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox, it is best to start taking valacyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash appears, usually within one day. Valacyclovir may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. If you are using the oral suspension, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately.

The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems. To help clear up your infection, keep taking valacyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days.

Can I take valacyclovir two days in a row?

Valtrex (valacyclovir hydrochloride) is a prescription antiviral drug that can shorten the duration of cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It may cause mild side effects in some people. Valtrex is available through prescription only and may cause mild side effects in some people.

Shingles (herpes zoster): This causes a painful, itchy rash that is often on one side of the body or face that typically goes away within 2–4 weeks, Genital herpes: This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes painful blisters around the genitals that can take about 2–4 weeks to heal and may flare up repeatedly throughout a person’s life. Cold sores ( Herpes labialis ): This is an STI that is similar to genital herpes but appears around and in the mouth throughout a person’s life.

Valtrex is not a cure for cold sores, However, it may help shorten the duration of the sores and blisters during flare-ups. Doctors do not recommend Valtrex for everyone. For example, studies have not established Valtrex’s safety and efficacy on immunocompromised people, except for suppressing genital herpes in people with specific forms of HIV.

• However, a doctor may prescribe Valtrex for people who are immunocompromised, depending on the severity of the condition.
• A doctor or healthcare professional will monitor a person’s blood count while they are using this medication.
• People with kidney disease should inform their doctor, who can decrease the dosage of Valtrex or recommend an alternative medication depending on the severity of the condition.

A person should talk to their doctor about their health conditions to determine whether they should take Valtrex. For oral herpes, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) recommend a person start taking Valtrex as soon as they feel cold sore symptoms. Symptoms a person should watch for in and around the mouth include:

tingling burning itchiness

There is no clinical data to indicate that Valtrex will have any effect if a person starts taking it after blisters have formed. A person should not take more than 1 day (2 doses) of Valtrex when treating cold sores. Take the two doses 12 hours apart. Each dose consists of 2 grams of medication.

• Valtrex is an antiviral medication, which means it can help shorten the duration of cold sores.
• According to Harvard Health Publishing, cold sores can last for around 10–12 days without treatment.
• Valtrex may reduce the formation of cold sore blisters by up to 2 days.
• Valtrex may cause side effects for some people.

According to the NLM, the most common side effects may include:

headachenauseaabdominal pain

The most common side effect is a headache, The NLM also state that dizziness is a common side effect in people using Valtrex for cold sores. Other symptoms may occur when treating either shingles or herpes with Valtrex at different or prolonged doses.

The NLM state that there are no known major drug interactions between Valtrex and other medications. There is also no known risk of taking Valtrex during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However, the NLM acknowledge that a very small amount will be present in breast milk. However, there are limited studies determining the medication’s adverse effects on pregnant people, such as pregnancy loss or fetal development issues.

There is a risk of accidental overdose, so a person taking Valtrex should make sure they stick to the prescribed dosage. People living with kidney issues should talk to their doctor about their risk before taking the medication. Valtrex is not the only prescription available for oral herpes.

• Famvir (famciclovir) is another antiviral medication for cold sores, shingles, and genital herpes,
• It has similar side effects to Valtrex, such as headaches and nausea.
• Like Valtrex, people take it orally.
• Prescription and nonprescription creams are available for a person to apply directly to their cold sores.

Prescription-strength creams include Zovirax (acyclovir), while nonprescription creams include Abreva (docosanol), A person typically needs to apply the cream multiple times a day to treat cold sores. However, creams are generally less effective than oral forms of antiviral medications, such as Valtrex.

1. A person with kidney issues or kidney failure should ensure their doctor is aware of their situation.
2. People with these conditions may want to ask about possible alternatives to the medication.
3. People who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should ask their doctor about any possible risk associated with taking Valtrex.

People living with a suppressed immune system should ask their doctor about other options. A person should discuss any possible issues with the current medications or supplements they are taking with their doctor. Feel free to ask the doctor about doses, how to use the medication, and whether the doctor has any special instructions.

Valtrex is a prescription antiviral medication a person can use to help shorten the duration of cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles flare-ups. It is not a cure for cold sores. Instead, it may reduce the duration of blister flare-ups. Valtrex is generally safe with mainly mild side effects. However, Valtrex is one of several treatment options.

Therefore, if a person has cold sores, genital herpes, or shingles, they should check with their doctor to determine the most suitable treatment for their condition.

Is valacyclovir toxic to liver?

Outcome and Management – No instances of acute liver failure or chronic liver injury have been linked to valacyclovir use. The liver injury associated with valacyclovir is usually mild and resolves rapidly. There is no information on possible cross sensitivity of hepatic injury among the various nucleoside analogues used to treat herpes virus infections, but valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir which is its active moiety.

Is valacyclovir hard on the liver?

There have rare instances of acute, clinically apparent liver injury reported that were attributed to acyclovir or valacyclovir (a prodrug of acyclovir with better oral absorption), but these have not been particularly convincing.

What is the most common side effect of valacyclovir?

Common side effects may include: nausea, stomach pain; or. headache.

Can you eat dairy with valacyclovir?

Taking it with food may help reduce any upset stomach. Your healthcare provider can prescribe valacyclovir as an oral suspension for your child. Milk and milk products like cheese, butter, ice cream, etc could very well be causing your perioral dermatitis and exacerbating it.

Can you build a tolerance to valacyclovir?

A Mutating Case – Resistance usually develops due to mutations in the thymidine kinase pathway that cause patients to become non-sensitive to acyclovir and its pro-drug valacyclovir, according to Dr. Thimons. He adds that these mutations occur randomly in immuno-competent patients but can be predicted by the severity of the disease state in immuno-incompetent patients.

Is valacyclovir toxic to liver?

Outcome and Management – No instances of acute liver failure or chronic liver injury have been linked to valacyclovir use. The liver injury associated with valacyclovir is usually mild and resolves rapidly. There is no information on possible cross sensitivity of hepatic injury among the various nucleoside analogues used to treat herpes virus infections, but valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir which is its active moiety.

Is valacyclovir hard on the body?

If you have certain viral infections due to the herpes simplex virus, you may be interested in learning more about valacyclovir. It’s a generic prescription drug used to treat cold sores in adults and some children. It can also be used to treat shingles or to treat or prevent genital herpes in adults.

This drug is also approved to treat chickenpox in some children. Valacyclovir comes as tablet that you swallow. In most cases, it’s used as a short-term treatment option. But in some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take the drug long term. This article describes valacyclovir’s side effects (also called adverse effects).

For more information about valacyclovir, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article, Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during valacyclovir treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

belly pain vomitingheadache*nausea*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below. You may experience mild side effects from valacyclovir. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with this drug include:

belly pain vomitingdizzinessheadache*nausea*mild allergic reaction *†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below. † An allergic reaction is possible after taking valacyclovir. Although allergic reactions weren’t reported in studies, they were reported after the drug was approved for use.

These side effects are usually temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking valacyclovir unless your doctor recommends it. Valacyclovir may cause mild side effects other than those listed above.

See the drug’s prescribing information for details. Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with valacyclovir, visit MedWatch,

changes to your thinking or behavior, such as hallucinations or confusion seizures kidney problems *severe allergic reaction * †

If you develop serious side effects while taking valacyclovir, call a doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. * To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

feverdiarrhea dehydration runny nose

If your child or a child you care for is taking valacyclovir and you have questions or concerns about side effects of the drug, talk with a doctor or pharmacist. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about valacyclovir’s side effects.

Why do you have to drink a lot of water while taking valacyclovir?

Proper Use – Valacyclovir works best if it is used within 48 hours after the first symptoms of shingles or genital herpes (e.g., pain, burning, or blisters) begin to appear. For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, valacyclovir works best if it is used within 24 hours after the symptoms begin to appear.

If you are taking valacyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox, it is best to start taking valacyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash appears, usually within one day. Valacyclovir may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. If you are using the oral suspension, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately.

The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems. To help clear up your infection, keep taking valacyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days.

Do you have to take valacyclovir everyday for the rest of life?

December 11, 2019 / in MacArthur Minute / Educate yourself about sexual health.

Herpes affects about 1/5 adults. (20%) It is spread through close skin contact, typically during sexual activity. You cannot catch herpes from toilet seats, hot tubs, or any other objects. Once exposed to the virus, herpes never leaves your body; however, not everyone who is exposed will develop symptoms The most common symptoms of an active herpes outbreak are small, fluid-filled blisters on the genitals, buttocks, or mouth. They typically are very painful and may burn. You may experience flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, fatigue) a few days before the lesions develop. These are called prodromal symptoms. The first herpes outbreak is typically the most painful and typically lasts longer than recurrent outbreaks. About 90% of people who have an initial herpes outbreak will develop a subsequent outbreak. We diagnose herpes by two methods — either by a skin culture or by blood work. Typically both are used together in addition to a physical exam. The skin culture can only be done when you have an active lesion. A positive result confirms the diagnosis of herpes, but a negative result does not rule it out.The blood work will show us if you have been exposed to herpes in the past but may not confirm if a genital lesion is an active herpes outbreak There is no cure for herpes, but we can treat the symptoms with antiviral medication. You do not have to take medication for the rest of your life if you have been diagnosed with herpes. Many people only take medication during active outbreaks. If you have frequent recurrent outbreaks, you can take the antiviral medications daily to help suppress future outbreaks. Recurrences tend to be triggered by stress or a weakened immune system. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to reduce stress and boost your immune system, decreasing your chances of recurrence, but not eliminating them. If you develop herpes during pregnancy, we can treat it with the same antivirals. You can still deliver your baby vaginally, if you do not have an active herpes outbreak at the time of delivery. You should not be sexually active if you have an active outbreak, as you will transmit the virus to the other person. Using a condom can reduce the risk of transmission, but does not protect against all cases. Herpes cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated. With the use of medications, most patients are able to lead a normal, healthy life despite the diagnosis.

Thank you Sexography for publishing this article on Medium By: Summer Migoni https://macarthurmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/18-migoni.png 766 834 MacArthur Medical Center https://macarthurmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/macrthurmc-1-300×138.png MacArthur Medical Center 2019-12-11 00:43:55 2021-03-23 14:21:23 18 Facts About Genital Herpes That Everyone Should Know