What happens if herpes is not treated? Herpes can be painful, but it generally does not cause serious health problems like other STDs can. Without treatment, you might continue to have regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while.

Does HSV 2 shorten your life?

Becoming infected with the herpes virus seriously complicates your social, emotional and sexual life, but it is not otherwise a terribly dangerous condition to have. Having genital herpes does make it easier to get HIV (and thus AIDS), but otherwise, the condition is not disabling, and does not reduce lifespan.

Can hsv2 go away on its own?

There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. The blisters usually heal and go by themselves, so you may not always need treatment. There is antiviral medicines for herpes, which can: shorten outbreaks, relieve discomfort and stop symptoms from getting worse.

Can you give blood if you have HSV 2?

Donating blood with a history of herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) is generally acceptable as long as: any lesions or infected cold sores are dry and healed or close to healed. you wait at least 48 hours after finishing a round of antiviral treatments.

How long is hsv2 contagious after outbreak?

The sores will last for 2-6 days. Stage 4: Development of Lesions – This stage is the most contagious.

Does acyclovir weaken immune system?

We studied the immune response to CMV in patients who were taking acyclovir to assess if therapy could be used to suppress the CMV-specific immune response. The T cell reactivity against the immunodominant late viral protein pp65 was reduced by 53% in people who were taking acyclovir.

Can you take acyclovir for years?

Nevertheless, we conclude that the use of oral acyclovir for more than 12 months provides substantial additional prevention against recurrence of ocular HSV. Our data suggest that long-term oral acyclovir use remains effective in decreasing the number of recurrences beyond 12 months.

Is acyclovir hard on the kidneys?

Although the drug is well tolerated, severe nephrotoxicity, which often leads to acute renal failure, has been observed in patients [4, 7]. Acyclovir-induced renal failure occurs in approximately 12–48 % of cases [4].

How can I tell if I have a strong immune system?

Your body shows signs of a strong immune system pretty often. One example is when you get a mosquito bite. The red, bumpy itch is a sign of your immune system at work. The flu or a cold is a typical example of your body failing to stop the germs/bacteria before they get in.