I had my very first cold sore a couple of months ago. Even though I started on valacyclovir and lysine, the sore kept trying to resurface for about three weeks straight. During that period, I stayed on the meds to keep things under control. After a short break, it came back again, and then again. I usually take the 2g twice-daily dose as soon as I feel that tingle, but I’m starting to wonder if it’s actually helping. Would it be better to let my immune system ‘learn’ how to fight the virus on its own rather than using antivirals every single time? What do you all think? Any similar experiences? Or should I just look into a daily 500 mg preventative dose of valacyclovir?
That is a really interesting point. From what I understand, the medication just gets in the way of the virus replicating. I don’t think the way it works is the same as how your immune system functions. I might be mistaken, but I believe they actually work together. Basically, the drug stops the virus from spreading while your immune system steps in to finish the job.
Are there any long-time sufferers who can weigh in on this? I’m pretty new to this as well.
I haven’t had decent health insurance until recently, and I’ve dealt with chronic outbreaks my whole life (since I was a baby, actually). I took acyclovir as a kid, but my parents eventually couldn’t afford it, and I only just got back on it for this current outbreak at 24. Honestly, the healing process felt exactly the same; nothing really seemed to speed up compared to when it heals naturally. But I’ve become an expert at managing them: the second you feel a tingle, ICE IT. Ice is your absolute best friend. I apply a tiny bit of Abreva every 4 hours and use a patch if I can afford them (they’re pricey). NEVER touch it, take lysine every morning on an empty stomach, and mine are usually gone in about a week!
Hi! Did you ever end up trying those diode treatments? Did they actually work for you?