Once you have the herpes virus it stays in the body. After the first year of having the virus, outbreaks become less often and severe. However, you can have an outbreak after some time of not having one. As symptoms can be triggered by:

• Stress
• Using sunbeds
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Tight clothing
• Sex
• Being unwell
• Your menstrual cycle

The first herpes outbreaks you have after you’ve been infected may last between 2 to 4 weeks. However future outbreaks don’t usually last that long. They are usually less severe. Also, some people may never have another episode of symptoms.

The recommended dose is 1 400mg tablet twice a day for 3 months. You can continue the treatment for a year to suppress herpes symptoms.  

Studies have shown that Aciclovir is safe to take in the long term. It’s recommended that you use the treatment for a year to suppress herpes outbreaks.

Dr Bhavini Shah: “Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine to help support your kidney function."

If you do experience any unwanted side effects speak to your doctor or send our clinicians a message in your Patient Record. 

Herpes is passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. This can include: 

• Kissing
• Oral sex
• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Fingering
• Sharing sex toys 

The virus is most contagious when the sores are open and weeping. Although you can still get herpes when no blisters are visible.

Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Aciclovir. You can also eat as you normally would. It’s recommended that you drink plenty of water.

Aciclovir are not harmful for your baby if you take them whilst pregnant. However, your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on taking Aciclovir herpes suppression treatment if you’re pregnant. 

We cannot prescribe Aciclovir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). We recommend that you regularly screen for STIs. Frequent herpes outbreaks may indicate a weakened immune system, which can be caused by HIV. Know your status by taking a HIV blood test.

Aciclovir might interact with other medicines. It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Aciclovir safely.

We can prescribe a local anaesthetic gel, Instillagel, which can be used alongside Aciclovir to help reduce the pain of genital herpes outbreaks.