If you have genital herpes and are in a sexual relationship with a partner who does not have herpes, you may want to consider taking antiviral medication daily to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. Daily antiviral therapy can also help to reduce the number and severity of herpes outbreaks. In addition, daily antiviral therapy can help to reduce the risk of developing complications from herpes, such as infected ulcers. If you have frequent or severe herpes outbreaks, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take antiviral medication on a continuous basis to prevent outbreaks. If you have occasional outbreaks, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take antiviral medication only when an outbreak is beginning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), valacyclovir is a highly effective antiviral medication that can be used to treat both genital and oral herpes. Studies have shown that valacyclovir can reduce the duration of symptoms by up to two days, and it can also reduce the risk of transmission. Valacyclovir is typically taken twice a day, and it starts working within 24 hours of taking the first dose. However, it is important to note that valacyclovir is not a cure for herpes, and it will not prevent you from getting future outbreaks.

Valacyclovir works by preventing HSV from replicating in the body. The recommended dose of valacyclovir for most people with HSV is 500 mg twice daily for 7 days. This can be started within 72 hours after the first symptom appears. For some, it can take longer if treatment begins much longer after initial symptoms are shown.