I’m loving all of these facts on contracting the virus and how to reduce spreading the virus! I’ve been really stressed out this year and had a terrible break out over Christmas that lasted three weeks!! It was awful, I didn’t leave the house.
So I wanted to talk a little bit about keeping those nasty boys away (how I keep them away anyway, there are SO many methods to controlling symptoms)! Generally, I’ll take a Lysine tablet daily because it inhibits the absorption of Arginine in the intestine, which the HSV-1 virus needs to thrive. You can read more about Lysine here. If I’m having an outbreak I’ll take three tablets a day until symptoms subside, otherwise once a day works fine.
On top of the Lysine tablets, I keep a tube of Zovirax on me at all times, applying when I feel *that* tingle. As well as keeping some Compeed patches handy for night time if needed (these are especially good for preventing the spread of any blisters that form)!
A super duper lifesaver for me has also been Famvir which you can get behind the counter at any pharmacy. You take a dose of three tablets at once at the first sign of an outbreak, the earlier the better. Every time I’ve gotten to these bad boys in time, I haven’t had an outbreak occur. I love them, but you can’t take them super frequently, so consult your GP if you need something stronger more regularly.
But, guys, okay here’s my little secret to you. Recently because of my stress, and reoccurring outbreaks, the combination of everything listed above has just not been working for me. So I did what all good people do in times of need and did a Google search. What did I find? Coconut Oil. GUYS oh my god!! Seriously please go get yourself a jar of organic virgin coconut oil (I recommend from Aldi because it’s only $4.50 a jar!!). I’ve been applying this to my lips with a Q-Tip on the reg, and wow. I was on the verge of an outbreak and doing this stopped HSV-1 right in its tracks. Also, not 100% recommended depending on your dietary needs, but I also ingest ONE tablespoon of this oil daily too (which has been said to counteract the virus and suppress symptoms).
If you have any cool tips on keeping symptoms at bay please share! There can never be enough.