What Helps Prevent Herpes Outbreaks?

Genital herpes outbreaks are unique to the individual infected with the herpes simplex type 1 or 2 that cause them. The Mayo Clinic states that some people have many subsequent outbreaks in a year, while others may go for decades without another. There is no cure for herpes, but there are ways to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

Oral Antivirals

• Oral antiviral medications approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration that are prescribed by a doctor will give you the best chances at preventing herpes outbreaks, states the Mayo Clinic. These medications include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Favir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). Oral antivirals serve four functions: to heal lesions sooner during an initial outbreak; reduce the frequency and severity of subsequent herpes outbreaks; lessen the number of total outbreaks; and most importantly, reduce the chances that you'll give herpes to an uninfected sexual partner.

  The Mayo Clinic notes that oral antivirals can be taken episodically, when you first note symptoms of an outbreak. But they can also be taken daily as a form of suppressive therapy. These respective methods of treatments may be more appropriate for some individuals than others. Episodic therapy is appropriate for people who aren't sexually active, have infrequent outbreaks or when both sexual partners have herpes. Suppressive therapy, on the other hand, may be recommended for those who are sexually active with partners who don't have herpes or when outbreaks are frequent and severe.

  Mayo Clinic experts estimate that patients with six or more outbreaks a year who use oral antivirals daily experience a 70 to 80 percent reduction in number of total outbreaks, and numerous herpes sufferers report no symptoms of herpes while using these drugs. Because most cases of herpes (70 percent) are transmitted when the virus is shedding but lesions not present, daily oral antiviral use, which interferes with the process that allows the virus to replicate, greatly reduces the chance that someone with herpes will transmit herpes to another sexual partner.

Alternative Therapies

• Over-the-counter herpes treatment and "miracle cures" for herpes are in no short supply, especially on the Internet. But the American Social Health Association and Mayo Clinic note that none of these are proven to be effective. ASHA does not recommend consumer creams and ointments, as these interfere with the healing process (your best best during an outbreak is to keep the area clean and dry).

  The amino acid lysine, available at most health food stores and drugstores, has become an Internet success by people who say it prevents herpes outbreaks. ASHA states that some studies have indicated that lysine supplements are effective, while other studies suggest that it's not. ASHA notes that there isn't enough information available to ascertain the effectiveness of lysine.

  It's also been suggested that avoiding foods high in amino acid arginine prevents herpes outbreaks. Again, ASHA notes that there are no studies to support these claims. Arginine is found in an abundance of foods that are routinely eaten--turkey, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, soy products, spinach and eggs, to name a few--so it's almost impossible to avoid it. ASHA doesn't recommend restricting your diet to avoid these foods. However, if you think that your diet is contributing to the frequency and severity of outbreaks, dietary modifications to ensure adequate nutrition may be helpful.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• ASHA states that often the factor that prevents herpes outbreaks is simply a matter of time--they tend to decrease in frequency and severity over the years. Because herpes affects people very differently, many people come to recognize the circumstances that trigger their outbreaks and learn how to avoid them. ASHA notes that herpes outbreaks can often be prevented by decreasing stress, receiving enough sleep, good nutrition and exercise.