What Vitamins Should I Take If I Have Herpes

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Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores and Genital Herpes)

What Is Herpes? Herpes simplex refers to a group of viruses that infect humans. Like herpes zoster (shingles, see Fact Sheet 509 ), herpes simplex causes painful skin eruptions. Itching and tingling are usually the first signs, followed by a blister that breaks open. The infection stays dormant in nerve cells. This is called "latency." However, it can become active again with no warning. Herpes can be active without symptoms or visible signs....

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Really need your advice - aggressive herpes out break

Hi, I really need your advice. I saw the discussion on prednisone. I am on high initiation dose and then tapering next month to 30 to 40 mgs per day for a month, then 20 mgs a day before alternate days. Problem is that I got the worst herpes attack...

Response from David Wohl, M.D.

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Prednisone can be a blessing but also a curse. It can reduce inflammation and make life bearable for those with inflammatrory conditions but the side effects are to be respected.My advice is always to try to use the lowest dose of steroids for the... Read more »

AZT with vitamin E and Zovirax

I read something back in the early 90's (closet self diagnosis back then) that AZT's effectiveness is extended when consumed with E and Zovirax. In Oct. 1995 I started AZT and followed this regime religiously. 400 iu's of E x 3 per...

Response from Cal Cohen, M.D., M.S.

Harvard Medical School

Before the days of protease inhibitors, there was considerable controversyover whether there was any benefit to taking acyclovir (Zovirax) if youdidn't need it to prevent herpes outbreaks. Some studies suggested that itmight prolong survival;... Read more »

CHOP chemotherapy and vitamin supplementation; Rectal abscess

Dear Doc, Thanks for all of your help with this column. Two questions: 1)I recently started CHOP for NH Lymphoma. Are there any things I should avoid in the area of vitamins? I generally take two multiples a day, but a recent article in Poz said to...

Response from Bruce Dezube, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

You ask many good questions--1) SHOUD YOU POSTONE CHEMOTHERAPY- The bottom line is that HIV lymphoma is very agressive and needs to be treated with CHOP, typically 6 cycles. I would favor minimizing delays in chemotherapy. It is vitally important... Read more »

Herpes and HIV (Recurrent Herpes Outbreaks)

I contracted herpes approx. 4-5 months ago and I've had recurrent outbreaks ever since. They heal within 1-2 weeks, but I get another one right away. The only time I seem to be somewhat free of the herpes is during my period. I was tested...

Response from Rick Sowadsky, M.P.H.

Nevada State Health Division AIDS Program

Faith,Thank you for your question. It is unlikely that your frequent herpes outbreaks are HIV related. This is because:1) There is no evidence thus far, that you are infected with HIV.2) Recurrent herpes outbreaks associated with HIV do not... Read more »

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