How to Treat a Herpes Outbreak

Treating Herpes Outbreaks

There are two distinctly different types of herpes, and there is no cure for either of them. Herpes 1 (HSV-1), commonly referred to as "Oral Herpes" and Herpes 2 (HSV-2), which is often referred to as "Genital Herpes" are viruses. Once a person has been infected with the virus, he or she will have it for life. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cycle between the outbreak period, when the virus is most contagious, and the remission period, when active symptoms of the virus are at a minimum.

So how do you treat a herpes outbreak?

Many and perhaps even most cases are mild and don’t need treatment. People who have a serious or extended case may have a compromised immune system. Frequent recurrences may need to take antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).

People who have more than 6 episodes of genital herpes outbreaks per year may need to continue taking maintenance anti-viral medications to reduce recurrences. A large part of having recurrences is based on immune strength, stress level, diet, nutrition, and quality of sleep.

Pamela Egan, MN, FNP-C, ABAAHP Diplomat (American Academy of Anti-Aging Health Practitioner) is a board certified Adult & Family Nurse Practitioner and Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. She can be reached at www.pamelaegan.com or 985-892-3031.

More Articles by Nurse Practitioner Egan:

• Treatments for mouth sores (including fever blisters and herpes sores)
• Experts call for increased dose of Vitamin D3
  
• What is Herpes and what are its symptoms?

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