[Question #1482] Hsv1 recurrent OB
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93 months ago
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Hi -
First of all thank you for all this information. It has been very helpful.
I was diagnosed with hsv1 with a culture test 3 years ago. I had no breakouts for 3 years but am in the midst of one now. I don't really remember the first breakout that much, but I think that this one is just as bad/uncomfortable.
Is it true that recurrent outbreaks are always less severe? And now that I've had a second outbreak, are my chances of having continued recurrent outbreaks higher?
I have been scouring the Internet the past couple days - probably a bad idea - but I came across a forum of women who were outbreak free for years and years and then suddenly started to get several outbreaks. Is there any research on this or have you heard of this? Essentially, now that I've had this second outbreak and am not in the 40percent of people who never get another OB, I'm freaking myself out that I will have tons of outbreaks going forward :/
Any advice and answers will help.
Thank you so much.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
93 months ago
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Most people have fewer recurrences as time passes, but not everyone, so don't be discouraged. I think since you've had a second outbreak, you will probably have more in the future, but as you can see, they are infrequent.
I have heard of people not having many recurrences and then have several in a row. We think that may have to do with something immune system related or perhaps a medicine that one might be taking, like steroids for some other condition like asthma or allergy.
I don't think there is any reason to believe that you are going to have a ton of outbreaks. If you do start having more than you feel you are comfortable handling, you can take daily antiviral therapy and have far fewer. But I think this is just one and you can't judge what will happen beyond this. Just know that there are things you can do about it should it become a problem. I suspect it will not.
Terri
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I have heard of people not having many recurrences and then have several in a row. We think that may have to do with something immune system related or perhaps a medicine that one might be taking, like steroids for some other condition like asthma or allergy.
I don't think there is any reason to believe that you are going to have a ton of outbreaks. If you do start having more than you feel you are comfortable handling, you can take daily antiviral therapy and have far fewer. But I think this is just one and you can't judge what will happen beyond this. Just know that there are things you can do about it should it become a problem. I suspect it will not.
Terri
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93 months ago
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Interesting. I've also seen several highly reputable doctors say that a lot of people with HSV1 have either zero outbreaks or 1-2 in the first couple years and none after that. Is this true as well?
Thank you for your response. I know I'll have to just take it as it comes but of course my mind is going everywhere!
In the meantime I will work on amping up my immune system.
Are there any side effects to the suppressive drugs?
Thank you!!
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
93 months ago
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Yes, that is true as well.
No, there are no known long term side effects with suppressive drugs, although a few people will get headaches or nausea at first. We've had people on suppression for 30 years.
Try to take one outbreak at a time and just wait to see what happens. You can always adjust to changing situations later, if need be.
Terri
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No, there are no known long term side effects with suppressive drugs, although a few people will get headaches or nausea at first. We've had people on suppression for 30 years.
Try to take one outbreak at a time and just wait to see what happens. You can always adjust to changing situations later, if need be.
Terri
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