Valtrex is an antiviral medication used to slow the growth and spreading of the herpes virus, allowing the body to fight off the herpes infection. Valtrex has also been proven to help infections caused by the herpes virus, which includes genital herpes, cold sores/fever blisters, shingles, and chicken pox. To better understand what Valtrex can do – and what it cannot – it is important to understand the herpes virus itself.

The herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1 and the herpes simplex virus type 2, or HSV-2 are the most common herpes viruses. Generally, cold sores on or around the mouth are caused by HSV-1. HSV-2 causes genital herpes. However, both viruses can cause herpes outbreaks elsewhere. A virus known as the herpes zoster virus causes infections like shingles and chicken pox.

Genital herpes is contagious and it can be passed through skin-to-skin contact – generally intimate contact. One out of five adults has the herpes virus – and many of them will not realize it until an outbreak occurs.

Valtrex does not cure herpes – there is no cure for herpes. However, Valtrex can significantly decrease the spread of herpes, and it can slow down the rate of growth.

Filed under: Truth about online meds, herpes, Valtrex