How to Avoid Herpes Outbreaks

Medications and strategies for preventing flare-ups of the virus

Adam Rosenbluth, M.D.,

AARP

Comments

Published November 24, 2025

illustrated gif of a woman pulling out her pants with her doctor

James Yates

I’m still getting mild outbreaks of herpes every few months. The first incident was around 40 years ago! Is there anything I can do to end these outbreaks once and for all?

When a virus that has been silent for years suddenly becomes noisy again, it can be frustrating and surprising. That’s how my older patients often describe recurring herpes outbreaks.

There are actually two viruses and two types of herpes: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Most oral herpes cases are caused by HSV-1, and most genital herpes cases are caused by HSV-2; the latter is a lifelong companion that occasionally wakes up, especially when the immune system is under strain.

The truth is, herpes is extremely common: 1 in 5 adults worldwide has a genital herpes infection. While we can’t eliminate the virus completely, we can reduce, oftentimes dramatically, its ability to reemerge.

How do outbreaks happen? Herpes lives quietly in your body’s nerve cells and resurfaces when triggered. Common culprits include stress, fatigue, illness, sun exposure, even certain medications that affect the immune system. Because your body’s defenses naturally weaken with age (a process known as immunosenescence), outbreaks can occur more frequently or take longer to heal over time. I often suggest to my patients that they think of flare-ups as an early warning system. If they start to recur, it could be an indication that your body needs more sleep, better nutrition or less stress.

When outbreaks occur, antiviral medications can make a real difference. The mainstays are acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir), which can shorten both the duration and the discomfort if taken at the first sign of symptoms, such as tingling or redness.

For people who experience frequent recurrences, let’s say more than six times a year, daily suppressive therapy can reduce outbreaks up to 80 percent and lower the chance of transmission to a partner. These medications are generally safe for older adults, though doctors usually monitor kidney function since the drugs are cleared through the kidneys. Make sure to mention all your medications, especially any diuretics, blood pressure drugs or anti-inflammatory pain relievers, since combinations can sometimes affect kidney performance.

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You can also reduce how often herpes appears by embracing small and consistent lifestyle habits. For instance, it’s helpful to sleep well. One study found that people who took melatonin, a supplement that assists in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle, reduced their herpes outbreaks in combination with suppressive therapies. You’ll also want to lower stress and might consider meditation, gentle yoga or deep breathing techniques that have been shown to work.

Pay attention to your diet, too. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. These nutritious foods support cell repair, whereas sugary and processed foods can lead to slower healing.

Keep in mind that sunburn can trigger both types of herpes. If you get cold sores around your mouth (HSV-1), use a lip balm and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. In general, a sunburn can trigger genital herpes (HSV-2) because it lowers the immune system.

Finally, I’m especially happy you brought up this question, because it will help a lot of people. Too many folks hesitate to discuss herpes, even with their doctors, because of lingering shame. Among older adults, this silence can be especially isolating. But herpes is a skin condition caused by a common virus, not a reflection of character choices.

More from Dr. Adam

Open conversation is part of good health care. Talking honestly with your provider and partner helps prevent misunderstanding, reduces anxiety and puts the focus back where it belongs — on managing a treatable condition, not judging it.

Herpes may be a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t have to define you. I’ve seen many patients regain confidence once they focus on understanding and managing the virus. By noticing your body’s patterns and giving the care it needs, herpes can become a small and manageable part of your life, not the center of it.

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