How long does it take a non-severe recurrent outbreak to heal?

by Anonymous

I have had genital HSV-1 for about 9 months now. I have med on suppressive meds (acyclovir), but recently went off them for a few days while abroad. I have one tiny little lesion, and started taking high doses of acyclovir as soon as it appeared (unfortunately I was not on them when prodromal symptoms started).


How long does a recurrent outbreak usually last for a healthy young person? How do you know when it is safe to have sex again?

Frustrating.


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Dear Anonymous,

Following the primary outbreak, the herpes virus hides along the nerve cells and remain dormant for weeks or even months. It’s when the virus travels up the surface of the initial site of infection and causing continual blisters and sores that a recurrent outbreak happens. Before that happens, most people feel the warning signs called prodrome, which can be anything from an itchy or tingling sensation, to numbness or tenderness of the area affected.

A recurrent herpes outbreak and the time interval between each outbreak can vary from person to person. Factors such as diet and lifestyle can also affect the frequency of recurrence. Depending on proper medication and health management, most symptoms of genital herpes last between 3 to 14 days. The duration of cold sore outbreaks, however, generally lasts for a much shorter time.

It is recommended to practice safe sex especially with a non-herpes positive partner. Prevention is always better than none at all. During outbreaks, it is not safe to practice any type of sex involving your genital area. Even condoms, spermicides are not effective in preventing this virus from spreading during an outbreak.

Just because you have herpes doesn’t mean your sex life is over! Millions of people are still having sex lives, honestly, openly, with non positive partners, or other positive partners. You might have to make some changes. But cheer up, life, love, and sex will continue.

My article on Genital Herpes Sex has tons of tips and advice on how to have safe yet enjoyable sex with herpes.

Hope this helps!

Gary

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