HSV-2 Rough First Outbreak: Could use advice and friends

Hello everyone,

So a week and a half ago I had a massive headache, fever, and sore throat that was originally diagnosed as Strep although my rapid strep was negative. A few days later I noticed a bunch of painful genital sores and ended up being diagnosed with HSV-2. I was prescribed Valtrex 500mg 2x daily for 5 days but I'm a nurse who works at an STD clinic (oh the irony) and we prescribe Valtrex 1,000mg daily for 7-10 days for first outbreaks so I'm doing that instead. Mostly want to know if other people are prescribed that high amount of Valtrex for their first outbreaks. It's the CDC recommendation which is why we prescribe it but I kind of feel bad not doing what my doctor suggested.

The sores are horrible and the Acyclovir cream really burns when I use it so I only use it 2x at night after work instead of the recommended 5x daily. Is it supposed to burn? Does it actually help in decreasing the length of the time you're bothered by lesions?

I'm also just feeling a little down and depressed. I'd love a veteran of HSV-2 to talk to just to kinda hear about how their life is going so that I feel a little less doom and gloom. Thanks in advance for your help and advice!

I was just diagnosed today so I definitely know how you feel. This first outbreak has been absolute hell for me. I'm starting valtrex tomorrow so hoping to see some positive results. Hang in there!