The Best Way to Keep Herpes Outbreaks Away

Herpes is a virus which exists in two different strains: HSV-1, which manifests as oral herpes or cold sores, and HSV-2, which is expressed as genital herpes. According to the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, genital herpes is carried by over 45 million adults in the U.S. Herpes is spread by direct contact with someone who already has the virus. It then lies dormant in the nerve cells near the spine until there is opportunity for an outbreak. There is no permanent cure for herpes, however there are strategies to help keep outbreaks at bay.

Diet

• An unhealthy diet can result in an impaired immune system, which gives the dormant virus a chance to take advantage and cause an outbreak. Stick to a balanced diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, unprocessed foods, whole grains and legumes. Stay well hydrated and avoid fatty, sugary processed foods, as these provide little nutritional benefit and place additional strain on the body to digest them. Zinc and Vitamin C supplements can be taken to boost the immune system and accelerate the healing of existing herpes outbreaks.

Stress

• Stress plays a big role in slowing down your immune system, and when this occurs, it gives the dormant herpes virus an opportunity to cause an outbreak. Try to avoid stress as much as possible. If stress is becoming a problem in your work or home life, you can employ techniques to reduce it. Exercise has been shown to boost serotonin levels in our bodies, making us happier. You should aim to do some form of exercise, such as walking, biking or other sports at least three times per week. More alternative therapies like meditation can also be an effective relaxation technique, reducing our predisposition to stress.

Antiviral Medications

• For oral herpes, topical creams from the local drugstore such as Zovirax can be applied directly to the affected area. When applied at the early stages of an outbreak, they can prevent the outbreak from progressing into full-blown blisters. If you have genital herpes, your doctor can prescribe antiviral medicine, which is taken continually to help avoid outbreaks. Some sufferers find that a combination of medication and healthy living can reduce the occurrence of outbreaks to virtually zero. Consult your doctor for further advice.