People with Genital Herpes only please.?!

People with Genital Herpes only please.?

I was just recently diagnosed with Herpes and have a few questions for those who have herpes. (1) How do you know when another outbreak is starting to occur and how can you prevent them? (2) How often are you supossed to take Valtrex, just during an outbreak or all the time? And does anyone know of any cheaper medication (3) I just got over my first outbreak but its still extremely itchy down there, is this normal? Any other advice is greatly appreciated, THANK YOU :)

1. About half of the people who have recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes feel an outbreak coming a few hours to a couple of days before it happens. They may feel tingling, burning, itching, numbness, tenderness, or pain where the blisters are going to appear. This is called the prodrome.

2. It depends on what your doctor thinks is best for your situation. Some people take anti viral medication every day, while others just take the medication when they have an outbreak or "feel" an outbreak coming. I personally only take the medication when I have an outbreak. So far, I've been outbreak free for 2+ years (without taking the medication). Remember, the medication only HELPS prevent the spread of the virus and HELPS prevent future outbreaks. It's not a guarantee. A person can STILL spread genital herpes and STILL get outbreaks even if they take the medication everyday.

Valtrex is the most expensive medication. Acyclovir and famciclovir (Famvir) are cheaper than Valtrex. Most insurances will cover the generic for Valtrex (valacyclovir). You'll need to check with your insurance.

3. Once the outbreak heals you may still feel a little itchy, but this should go away a few days after the outbreak is completely healed. If it doesn't you'll want to visit your doctor because there might be something else going on.

Good luck!