I have herpes type 1 genitally, I have had 2 outbreaks in the last month.. HELP!?!
Question: I have herpes type 1 genitally, I have had 2 outbreaks in the last month.. HELP!.?
I was diagnosed with HSV1 genitally, two months ago and since then have only had 10 days where I felt completly normal down there. I am on valtrex but only when symptems or present. I also have really bad anxiety and on depression meds, and ativan to take at night, my second outbreak just went away but now I am so stressed out worring about my next one. My doctor said type 1 has a less reoccurance rate the type 2 g. but so far this is not proving to be true... Can anyone just give me some hope to calm me down. I hear stress could be an added factor to getting more outbreaks. I know I need to calm down. but easier said then done... Health Question & Answer
Answers:
It is true that on average people with hsv-1 have fewer outbreaks than those with hsv-2 - on average one every two years.
But each person is individual.
I and my sister both have genital hsv-1 too.
She had her primary outbreak and then didn't have a second outbreak for six years.
I had my primary and then had one outbreak every month for four months and often felt the virus was active in between - I was always getting twinges or feeling like it was activating.
I went on to get 6 outbreaks the first year, and 8 the second year I had it. However in the third year I have only had three so I guess that is progress.
Anything that affects your immune system can affect your ability to deal with the virus. I also suffer from bouts depression and anxiety, and I have noticed I get more outbreaks when I am depressed or anxious. I also find other viruses such as colds and flu a trigger.
On the plus side, my outbreaks have got so mild I hardly notice them, but they always used to really upset me because they reminded me I had herpes.
My sister has hardly experienced any outbreaks at all, so obviously lots of people with genital hsv-1 are ok.
I recently discovered that I have iron-deficiency anaemia, which my doctor also believes may affect how many outbreaks I get - may be worth getting checked out since many women are iron-deficient.
All I would say is that having genital hsv-1 has gone for me from a big problem to a minor nuisance, which it does for most people as your body gets used to the virus.
Remember that people who contract genital hsv-1 have never had a herpes virus before, on the mouth or anywhere, and it does take 2-6 months to build up antibodies to fight the virus.
I find taking valtrex as soon as I sense ANY symptom coming on knocks the virus out completely and stops the outbreak. It can be magic stuff but you have to take it fast.Health Question & Answer
But each person is individual.
I and my sister both have genital hsv-1 too.
She had her primary outbreak and then didn't have a second outbreak for six years.
I had my primary and then had one outbreak every month for four months and often felt the virus was active in between - I was always getting twinges or feeling like it was activating.
I went on to get 6 outbreaks the first year, and 8 the second year I had it. However in the third year I have only had three so I guess that is progress.
Anything that affects your immune system can affect your ability to deal with the virus. I also suffer from bouts depression and anxiety, and I have noticed I get more outbreaks when I am depressed or anxious. I also find other viruses such as colds and flu a trigger.
On the plus side, my outbreaks have got so mild I hardly notice them, but they always used to really upset me because they reminded me I had herpes.
My sister has hardly experienced any outbreaks at all, so obviously lots of people with genital hsv-1 are ok.
I recently discovered that I have iron-deficiency anaemia, which my doctor also believes may affect how many outbreaks I get - may be worth getting checked out since many women are iron-deficient.
All I would say is that having genital hsv-1 has gone for me from a big problem to a minor nuisance, which it does for most people as your body gets used to the virus.
Remember that people who contract genital hsv-1 have never had a herpes virus before, on the mouth or anywhere, and it does take 2-6 months to build up antibodies to fight the virus.
I find taking valtrex as soon as I sense ANY symptom coming on knocks the virus out completely and stops the outbreak. It can be magic stuff but you have to take it fast.Health Question & Answer
Try taking some Lysine. This is a supplement found in your vitamin isle known to help with herpes outbreaks. During outbreaks or if you feel one coming on you should take 1,000mg 3 times a day. Afterward, continue a dose of 500mg per day for prevention. See if it helps.Health Question & Answer
I would definatly recommend taking valtrex daily.Health Question & Answer
You were diagnosed 2 months ago.? That means that your outbreaks will be very frequent til months go by. This will pass....gradually your outbreaks will decrease, you may get one every other month, then once every 6 months, then as you get older, once every 2 years, sometimes you just stop getting them....
Avoid certain foods, such as almonds, avoid stressing yourself.
Here is some more info:
The best thing you can do is keep your immune system as healthy as possible, since outbreaks are most likely to occur when you're run down. Eat a healthful diet, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and manage your stress with meditation or other methods.
?Eat foods high in the amino acid lysine, such as eggs, potatoes, and dairy products, and avoid foods high in another amino acid, arginine, such as peanuts, rice, and chocolate. The herpes virus needs arginine to replicate, and lysine prevents arginine from getting into your bloodstream. Lysine is also sold as a supplement in health food stores.
?Avoid vigorous sexual intercourse if you have genital herpes, since the friction can trigger outbreaks in some people.
?Talk to a close friend, support group, or counselor. Herpes is for life, and it will probably change how you deal with sex and relationships.
It's not uncommon to feel anxious, guilty, or lonely, especially when you've just been diagnosed. Talking to someone about it will help you feel better and reduce your stress, which will help you avoid recurrences.
also see:
www.hmates.com
www.mpwh.net
There are a few yahoo groups you can join as well and talk about the issue.Health Question & Answer
Avoid certain foods, such as almonds, avoid stressing yourself.
Here is some more info:
The best thing you can do is keep your immune system as healthy as possible, since outbreaks are most likely to occur when you're run down. Eat a healthful diet, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and manage your stress with meditation or other methods.
?Eat foods high in the amino acid lysine, such as eggs, potatoes, and dairy products, and avoid foods high in another amino acid, arginine, such as peanuts, rice, and chocolate. The herpes virus needs arginine to replicate, and lysine prevents arginine from getting into your bloodstream. Lysine is also sold as a supplement in health food stores.
?Avoid vigorous sexual intercourse if you have genital herpes, since the friction can trigger outbreaks in some people.
?Talk to a close friend, support group, or counselor. Herpes is for life, and it will probably change how you deal with sex and relationships.
It's not uncommon to feel anxious, guilty, or lonely, especially when you've just been diagnosed. Talking to someone about it will help you feel better and reduce your stress, which will help you avoid recurrences.
also see:
www.hmates.com
www.mpwh.net
There are a few yahoo groups you can join as well and talk about the issue.Health Question & Answer