Suppressive Treatment: When Should You Consider Daily Medication for Herpes?

Suppressive Treatment: When Should You Consider Daily Medication for Herpes?

For most people living with herpes – either HSV-1 or HSV-2 – outbreaks occur a few times a year and go away on their own. However, for some, outbreaks are frequent, painful, or psychologically distressing, and it may make sense to consider daily suppressive treatment with antiviral medication.

In this blog post, we explain what suppressive treatment is, when it is recommended, and how it works – as well as how it can be combined with natural measures such as herpes gel and a good lifestyle.

What is suppressive treatment?

Suppressive treatment (also called preventive antiviral treatment) is the daily intake of medication – typically acyclovir or valaciclovir – with the aim of:

• Prevent outbreaks
• Reduce the risk of infection
• Stabilize the immune system against viral activity

This is especially relevant for people with many repeated and disabling outbreaks.

When should you consider suppressive treatment?

1. You have more than 10 outbreaks per year

This is a general guideline, but the doctor will also assess how severe and long-lasting your outbreaks are.

2. Your breakouts affect your quality of life

If herpes is affecting your social life, intimate relationships, or mental well-being, daily treatment can help you feel more secure and stable.

3. Your partner is not infected and you want to minimize the risk

Suppressive treatment reduces the risk of infection by up to 50% and should be combined with condoms and open dialogue.

4. You have special risk factors

For example, weakened immune system, illness, medical treatment, pregnancy or co-infection with HIV. In these cases, the doctor should always be involved in a treatment plan.

Benefits and considerations of suppressive treatment

Advantages:

• Fewer or no outbreaks
• Lower risk of infection
• Increased control and security

Disadvantages:

• Medication must be taken daily
• May cause side effects such as headaches, fatigue or stomach upset
• Requires prescription and medical follow-up
• Not a cure – herpes stays in the body

Can suppressive treatment be combined with natural remedies?

Yes! Many people choose to supplement medical treatment with:

• Lysine as a dietary supplement
• Healthy diet and exercise
• Stress reduction and sleep
• Topical care with herpes cream like QUR's herpes gel, which shortens outbreaks when they do occur

This combination can provide a more holistic approach to living with herpes.

How do you start suppressive treatment?

The first step is to talk to your doctor. Together you will assess:

• How often your outbreaks occur
• How serious they are
• Whether there are any special circumstances (e.g. partner, pregnancy, weakened immune system)

The doctor will guide you on dosage, side effects and follow-up.

Conclusion

Suppressive treatment is an effective solution for people who are severely affected by frequent herpes outbreaks or want to protect their partner. It requires daily medication and medical advice, but can provide greater control and quality of life. Combined with healthy habits and products like herpes gel, you have the best starting point for living well with herpes.