What Happens If You Dont Get Herpes Treatment
The good news about herpes is that its not deadly or even very dangerous. It might be annoying, but herpes doesnt get worse over time or cause serious health problems like other STDs can.
If you dont get treated for herpes, you might keep having regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while.
There are a few reasons people may decide not to get treatment. They might not have that many outbreaks, or their outbreaks dont really bother them. Or maybe theyre not having sex, so theyre not that worried about having herpes right now. Whatever your situation is, getting treatment for herpes is your choice.
Having herpes can make it easier to get HIV, because the sores give HIV an open pathway into your body. So always use condoms to help prevent the spread of both herpes and HIV.
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What Triggers A Herpes Outbreak
As we mentioned, following you first herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in your nerves. Your immune system usually keeps it at bay.
But your immune system can only deal with so much at once. That means if you have dormant herpes and your immune system needs to fend off another virus or bacteria, it may get distracted, allowing herpes to crop up. Thats why cold sores are called cold sores or fever blistersthey typically appear when you catch another bug .
Different types of stress can also trigger outbreaks. Psychological stress, especially the stress caused by extreme emotional upset, can lead to an outbreak . Things that cause physical stress can also contribute. Sunlight is a common trigger of oral herpes outbreaks, while friction from tight clothing or sex, and even hormone changes associated with menstruation, are common triggers of genital herpes outbreaks .
Speak to a healthcare provider about your options and which treatments might be effective for preventing or shortening your outbreaks.
How Much Does Wisp Cost
How much you pay for Wisps services depends on the treatment you need and your subscription status. Prices for treatments vary, but the website is upfront about how much youll pay for a one-time or monthly purchase, depending on the product. If you opt for a subscription, you receive discounted rates on all products, including prescription medications.
You can also get discounts on some prescriptions using the Wispcount card at local pharmacies. This card works just like other prescription discount cards present it to the pharmacy tech when checking out for possible discounts.
A one-time online consultation costs $39. If you sign up for a Wispcare Basic subscription, youll get two free consultations per year. This subscription level is built into most recurring prescriptions. A Wispcare Premium subscription gives you unlimited consultations per year. Right now, you can get your first subscription month free with coupon code: HELLOFMF
You can cancel your Wisp subscription at any time and without penalty by emailing Wisp support. If you cancel your subscription, you continue to have access to the subscription-only sections of the site until your subscription period expires.
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How Long Before The First Outbreak
If someone has contracted HSV but not yet experienced a herpes outbreak, truthfully theres no 100% accurate way to determine when one will occur. An outbreak can occur within a week of exposure, or years later.
First, consider that everyones body is different, as is their immune system. If a person has a strong immune system, then it can be possible for an outbreak to occur years after contracting the virus.
Whats more, some strains of HSV are more forceful and aggravating than others.
There is what is considered typical, and that is that people often have their first outbreak two weeks after contracting it. But this just isnt reliable, because its equally accepted that people can often have outbreaks after two years.
Thats why so many people will have trouble pinpointing when they got herpes at all. There are varied statistics and possibilities:
Stress is a common trigger for an outbreak.
How Effective Are Medications For Herpes
Prescription antiviral medications have proven effectiveness in managing HSV symptoms.
A 2017 study comparing the antiviral medications acyclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir and valacyclovir to treat herpes simplex labialis found all antiviral medications were effective to shorten healing time for lesions and reducing pain. The comparison study found valacyclovir had the fastest healing time and pain reduction.
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What Are My Options To Get Treated For Hsv
There are three effective medications that are commonly prescribed for genital herpes treatment. They are Zovirax , Valtrex and Famvir . These treatments are available as tablets and are taken orally. There is an injectable form of Zovirax that can be used for treatment in people that have a severe outbreak of genital herpes.
Genital Herpes And Pregnancy
Its really important to speak to a healthcare worker if you have herpes during pregnancy, especially if its your first outbreak. Theres a risk that your baby can develop neonatal herpes which can be very dangerous or even fatal for the baby. If you have herpes, your healthcare provider will be able to prescribe antiviral treatment to keep your baby safe and help you have a healthy pregnancy.
Speak to a healthcare worker for more information or if you have any concerns.
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How Is Genital Herpes Spread
If you do not have herpes, you can get infected if you come into contact with the herpes virus in:
- Saliva or genital secretions
- Skin in the oral area if your partner has an oral herpes infection, or skin in the genital area if your partner has a genital herpes infection.
You can get herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or who may not know he or she is infected. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a sex partner who has oral herpes.
You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from touching objects around you such as silverware, soap, or towels. If you have additional questions about how herpes is spread, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.
Do Condoms Help Prevent The Spread Of Genital Herpes
Yes. To prevent transmission of herpes, we recommend that condoms be used 100% of the time. Many patients will shed the virus and be contagious when they dont have symptoms. Studies have shown that asymptomatic shedding occurs between 1% and 3% of the time in patients with HSV II genital infections. Many new herpes infections occur from partners who are shedding the virus asymptomatically, so condoms are highly recommended.
Condoms may not be an attractive option for monogamous couples or for couples who desire to become pregnant. Couples may opt to have serological tests to determine if either partner has an asymptomatic infection. In close monogamous relationships, the risks of transmission can be weighed against other relationship issues, such as intimacy and pregnancy.
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Quality And Availability Of Treatments
8.7/10
Wisp offers a variety of treatments and has taken steps to ensure that they are high-quality. Wisps medications are FDA-approved, and the company also provides some all-natural remedies . Wisp and their partner pharmacies are HIPAA compliant, and Wisp has board-certified physicians licensed in all 50 states. The company is also LegitScript certified for your protection.
Wisp has expanded their services since it launched in 2018. The company offers a wide range of personal health products, including emergency contraceptives, lubricants, prescription antibiotics, and antifungals. Subscribing customers can use Wisp to refill medications initially prescribed by their primary care providers for other conditions, such as high blood pressure, depression, and diabetes. Unlike other companies that focus on sexual health, you wont find items like condoms or spermicide among Wisps offerings.
What Factors Influence The Cost Of Treating Genital Herpes
Oneâs total cost of treatment will vary based on insurance status, the prescribed antiviral, where they receive their prescription, and planned sexual activity. It is important to remember that some people only take antiviral medication when actively experiencing an outbreak. In contrast, some continue to take the medication every day despite not currently experiencing an outbreak.
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How Much Is Acyclovir Without Insurance
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Acyclovir is a generic prescription drug used to control herpes infections caused by herpes simplex virus infections and herpes zoster . However, some types of herpes infections, such as mononucleosis, are treated with different antiviral drugs. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, acyclovir can be taken orally as a tablet, capsule, or oral suspension, applied to infected areas of the skin, mouth, or genitals as a cream or ointment, applied to the surface of the eye as an ointment, or given as an intravenous infusion. Most forms of acyclovir are only sold as generics, but a healthcare provider may prescribe brand-nameZovirax cream for cold sores. As a tablet or capsule, acyclovir is a moderately-priced prescription drug. Topical ointments and creams, however, are more expensive.
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Home Remedies And Lifestyle
At-home treatments for herpes are used to relieve pain. They do nothing to alter the course of the infection but can make you more comfortable as the herpes sores begin to heal.
There are several things you can do if have an outbreak of oral or genital herpes:
- Use a cold compress. Place a cloth-covered ice pack on the sores for 15 minutes several times daily to reduce pain. Keep the ice pack moving to prevent frostbite.
- Do not touch or scratch. Avoid touching and rubbing the sores. Doing so can spread the infection to other areas of the skin.
- Keep the sores clean. Herpes sores can become infected with bacteria if touched with soiled hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the bathroom or before applying medications.
- Reduce stress. Stress can increase your sensitivity to pain during a herpes outbreak. You can reduce stress by performing gentle exercises or practicing mind-body therapies like meditation, yoga, and guided imagery.
To reduce the risk of spreading herpes, avoid kissing and sharing objects that come into contact with saliva, like drinking straws and eating utensils.
It’s important to note that oral herpes can be spread to the genitals, and that genital herpes can be spread to the mouth. To reduce the risk of infection, use condoms and dental dams during oral sex. Better yet, avoid sex altogether if you are having an active herpes outbreak .
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What Else Can I Do To Help With A Genital Herpes Outbreak
As well as taking medication to help with symptoms, you can also try:
- using an anaesthetic gel to numb your skin and ease any pain
- soaking the affected area with plain or salt water
- applying Vaseline to the affected area
- drinking plenty of fluids
- wearing loose clothing
- taking pain relief medications, like paracetamol or ibuprofen
The symptoms of herpes outbreaks will usually go away by themselves within 10 days as your immune system fights the infection on its own. You might find the sores painful during that time, so medication can help you by clearing up the infection more quickly.
If youd like to speak to one of our doctors about your symptoms, you can book a telephone consultation. Theyll be able to provide personalised advice on how to cope with genital herpes.
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How Common Is Genital Herpes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 40 million to 50 million adults in the United States have genital herpes. HSV II infection is more common in women and in people who have had more than five sexual partners. Most people with HSV II do not know they have it, because it does not always cause symptoms.
Hsa Fsa And Health Insurance
You can use your HSA or FSA card to pay for services on Wisp. Wisp does not work with insurance companies, but you may be able to claim the cost of your medication from your insurer directly.
The medication prices shown on the Wisp website and during the symptom checker questionnaire are based on drugs sent from the Wisp pharmacy. If you want to collect your medication from a local pharmacy to get started on your medicines quicker, there will likely be an additional charge, which may be a copay from your insurance or out-of-pocket.
Laboratory tests, such as STI tests, are not covered. You may be able to claim laboratory costs back from your insurance or have them conducted at state-provided health clinics.
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How Much Does Herpes Treatment Cost Through Nurx
Medical consultation: After you answer questions about your health you pay $15 for a medical consultation, during which a member of our healthcare team reviews your health profile and writes you a prescription. The price of the medical consultation includes unlimited follow-up with the Nurx provider team for a year, so you can ask questions about herpes or your prescription.
If you pay with insurance:We will bill your insurance directly for your medication and the price you pay will depend on the specifics of your plan. Because valacyclovir is a generic medication your copay should be quite affordable.
If you do not pay with insurance:When you pay directly for the medication it costs $45 for a 3-month supply of outbreak treatment . It costs $75 for a 3-month supply of preventive therapy . If you have both oral and genital herpes and need outbreak treatment the price will be $60 for a 3-month supply.
Nurx offers prescription cold sore and genital herpes treatment for as little as $0 with insurance or $15 per month without insurance.
To request herpes treatment from Nurx, get started here.
What Are The Signs Of Herpes In Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, there may be a risk of your baby being infected with the virus during delivery. This condition is called neonatal herpes and can be serious or fatal.
Neonatal herpes can result in damage to the central nervous system and can cause mental retardation. Only about 0.1% of babies born in the United States are infected with neonatal herpes even though about 25% to 30% of pregnant women have genital herpes.
Generally, if you are infected with herpes, your doctor will deliver your baby by cesarean section to avoid any risk to your newborn infant.
Women who have herpes before becoming pregnant are at very low risk of transmitting the herpes virus to their babies. If a woman is infected with the herpes virus after becoming pregnant, her baby faces a higher risk of contracting neonatal herpes. Women who are newly infected havent had time to develop the antibodies against the virus and cannot pass them on to the baby for protection.
Talk with your OB/GYN and let them know if you have genital herpes. At the time of your delivery, ask your doctor to examine you early in labor to make sure you dont have any sores or signs of infection like pain, tingling, or itching.
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How Much Does Valacyclovir Cost Without Insurance
The without insurance starts at $31.34* for 1000 mg and 30 tablets using an RxSaver coupon.
Prescription drug pricing varies from pharmacy to pharmacy, and the difference in pricing can be significant. Valacyclovir is available from some nationwide pharmacies and online pharmacies for less than $1/tablet.