HERPES (continued)

• Testing: Your doctor will examine the sores and test fluid from the blisters.
• Treatment: Symptoms can be relieved with medications such as acyclovir.

   

  Genital Herpes: Acyclovir 200-400mg three times a day for 10 days;
  Herpes prophylaxis: Acyclovir 200-400mg twice a day
  Herpes zoster (shingles): Acyclovir 800mg 5 times a day for 10 days
  
  

   

  If you are not treated: While herpes is not life-threatening, and not all people who have it suffer from outbreaks, those who do experience outbreaks find that topical medication as Zovirax ointment eases the pain and can help speed recovery when blisters appear.