Those with herpes (oral OR genital) : Do you take your meds or not?

Contributor: Ms. Spice Ms. Spice
As some of you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with herpes about two months ago. Ever since then, I had to make a few lifestyle changes but overall, I can probably say I'm living a healthier life than before I was diagnosed. I haven't had any other outbreaks (knock on wood), and it hasn't really bothered me at all. If anything, I find that it probably was a blessing in disguise.

Anyway, I have a hobby with randomly searching blogs and forums of all sorts, so I decided to check out forums regarding those who carry STDs/ STIs. I found that there's a lot of wonderful support and tons of useful information available. I also found that a lot of people who live with herpes, be it with simplex 1 or 2, also don't take antivirals. I personally take mine everyday, three times a day, but I'm interested in finding out why those who live with herpes don't take meds as often as I do.

So if you have herpes, do you or do you not take meds? Why or why not? Anonymous voting.
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
I take my meds everyday.
2
I don't take meds because...
1
I find that it's too expensive with insurance.
I find that it's too expensive without insurance.
I don't find that it's necessary/ helpful for me to take.
2
I only take antivirals when I have an outbreak.
3
Other, because there's always an other.
3
Total votes: 11 (10 voters)
Poll is closed
10/09/2011
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10/09/2011
Contributor: toxie m toxie m
I have an outbreak about once every 3 months. It's pretty regular and easy to track. I only take meds at those times, to sort of hurry along the healing process. I talked to my doctor about preventative antivirals (taking them all the time) and was told that's an option if I want, but they generally recommend that route for people who have more than one outbreak a month. Or something like that, I can't remember exactly how many per year it was, but at any rate it's a bunch more than I have so I decided to stick with the treatment plan I've got.
10/09/2011
Contributor: Ms. Spice Ms. Spice
Quote:
Originally posted by toxie m
I have an outbreak about once every 3 months. It's pretty regular and easy to track. I only take meds at those times, to sort of hurry along the healing process. I talked to my doctor about preventative antivirals (taking them all the time) and ... more
That's super interesting! as I mentioned beforehand, I haven't had an outbreak except for my first one, and I definitely need to sit down with my regular OB/GYN when I get back home from school. The dr. I talked to at school told me highly recommended that I take antivirals all the time, but it does become costly, even with insurance.

I like the preventative option I have now, but it can be a pain in the ass to drop money every ten days just so I can have my meds. However, I'll keep taking them until I see my other Dr. and get his input.
10/09/2011
Contributor: toxie m toxie m
Quote:
Originally posted by Ms. Spice
That's super interesting! as I mentioned beforehand, I haven't had an outbreak except for my first one, and I definitely need to sit down with my regular OB/GYN when I get back home from school. The dr. I talked to at school told me highly ... more
Some people never have a second outbreak, so it could be that you don't need to be on constant meds. But you never know, you could be stopping lots of potential outbreaks with your prevention method. I'm sure you'll be able to work out a good plan with your doctor in the end, it just may take some trial and error to see how the disease manifests in your body to start with. Or, you know, keep taking the meds so you never have to find out

I suppose if I took them all the time I probably wouldn't have my once-per-3-months outbreak, but the money really does add up and honestly the discomfort isn't so bad that it makes the price worth it. If it was every month or more though, I think I might buy in, hah.
10/09/2011
Contributor: poetprincess poetprincess
Quote:
Originally posted by Ms. Spice
As some of you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with herpes about two months ago. Ever since then, I had to make a few lifestyle changes but overall, I can probably say I'm living a healthier life than before I was diagnosed. I haven't ... more
My sister has had herpes since she was 13 she is now almost 21 and claims she quit taking her meds a while ago. she enjoys a healthy sex life with her boyfriend and they have a baby. he has been tested many times and they say he does not have it. she thinks they may have mis diagnosed her or they just have gotten lucky.
10/10/2011
Contributor: Shellz31 Shellz31
I get oral coldsores but only have breakouts when I'm run down with a cold or if I hit rock bottom emotionally.
I take take medication (even though it's dirt cheap over here) cause I don't feel the need to. I don't have breakouts often enough.
I find a simple treatment of Hydrogen Peroxide dabbed on them regularly heals them up fast. It dries them out - usually within 24hrs.
10/10/2011
Contributor: Ms. Spice Ms. Spice
Quote:
Originally posted by Shellz31
I get oral coldsores but only have breakouts when I'm run down with a cold or if I hit rock bottom emotionally.
I take take medication (even though it's dirt cheap over here) cause I don't feel the need to. I don't have breakouts ... more
I've never heard of using Hydrogen peroxide on sores; I have a good friend that gets them here and there on their lips and that sounds like an excellent option.

Awesome responses people! I thought finances might be an major issue but it's spectacular to see (at least on Eden) that's not a major barrier for getting/ not getting medications.
10/10/2011