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| Herpes
Treatment
After
a conclusive herpes diagnosis, it is important to explore herpes
treatment and management options. Many treatment options are
available to manage the virus and increase your immune response.
These treatment options include prescription antiviral medications,
amino acid Lysine supplements, immune health and healthy living.
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Prescription
Antiviral Medications
Prescription
antiviral medications include Valtrex (valacyclovir) www.valtrex.com and Famvir
(famciclovir) www.famvir.com and are used for
episodic treatment and/or suppressive treatment. Treatment
begun during the first signs of an outbreak and taken for a
few days is called episodic treatment.
Episodic
treatment is most effective when taken as soon as
possible after symptoms appear. Success rate increases when
administered during the very first signs of an outbreak
appear. Episodic treatment can assist in relieving symptoms,
and to shorten the duration of each outbreak, but has no
effect on the frequency of outbreaks.
Suppressive treatment involves taking
antiviral medication everyday for prolonged periods of
time (can be a few months or even years). With this, the virus
is stopped from replicating and treatment can reduce the
number of outbreaks, or prevent them completely and reduce the
frequency asymptomatic shedding.
Based
on the frequency of outbreaks you experience or your
ability to cope with having outbreaks of genital herpes,
you may wish to tell your doctor and discuss the use of
suppressive therapy herpes medication and any possible
adverse reactions. |
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Lysine
Studies
indicate that the amino acid lysine has been effective in
managing herpes viral replication. A diet that is
simultaneously high in lysine and low in the amino acid
arginine (which can increase HSV viral replication) can
inhibit the herpes simplex virus. HSV utilizes the amino acid
arginine during its active phase for viral replication which
results in herpes symptoms and outbreaks. Lysine naturally
counters the amount of arginine in the body. One can avoid
foods high in arginine and/or take a lysine supplement which
can be found at most local drug or grocery
stores. |
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Healthy
Living
Research
indicates that persons with compromised immune systems are
more likely to experience viral outbreaks. Having a
strengthened immune system will allow your body to naturally
defend itself from the virus and can result in fewer or less
severe outbreaks. A healthy diet, proper amounts of sleep,
exercise, and stress management are keys to healthy
living. |
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Herpes
Vaccine
As
of September 2010, GlaxoSmithKline made the decision not to
further pursue the development of their experimental herpes
vaccine (see press release
here). |
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Consulting
your physician
Only
your physician and you can determine the best course based on
your medical needs in managing your herpes treatment. Though
there is no herpes cure, there are many options for managing
the virus. | *None of this site's content or referral resources
constitutes any form of medical advice or diagnosis. All
patients are encouraged to seek medical advice from their own
physician. |
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