Niles, IL
A 41-year-old male asked:
Are there any foods that should be avoided if you have genital herpes which might happen to trigger an outbreak ?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
No, none. No foods, vitamins, medications, or health practices trigger outbreaks or have any effect on the frequency of outbreaks -- except treatment with anti-herpes drug like acyclovir or valacyclovir. If your genital herpes is due to HSV1 (which more commonly causes oral herpes), recurrent outbreaks and sexual transmission are rare. Find a doctor who understands herpes and follow her advice.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Jan 22, 2022

Dr. Shakira Karipinenianswered
53 years experience
Genital Herpes can be recurrent and not dependent on what food you eat. infections in immunocompromised host are more severe, prolonged, and widespread and recurrence is more likely than in immunocompetent individuals.
Recurrent infections are milder and shorter.
Options for recurrent infection include no treatment or systemic antiviral suppressive therapy taht a Physician can prescribe
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Jan 17, 2022
Last updated Jan 22, 2022
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