[Hank20220805]

Thank you for being such a valuable resource here.
I’m trying hard not to obsess over this, but I’m confused about one aspect of the interaction between antivirals and the development of antibodies.

Assuming that I stop the suppressive therapy today, what happens 3-4 months from now after I develop enough antibodies to avoid self-infection (genital, herpetic whitlow, etc…), then start the suppressive therapy (Valacyclovir)? Are those antibodies permanent or will the antivirals diminish the strength of those antibodies and eventually restart the clock at day 1 making the prospect of self-infection a possibility all over again 6 months from now?

I’m just wondering if when I start taking antivirals for suppressive therapy again in 4 months will that counter the benefits of developing antibodies. I guess the question really is, once I develop antibodies are they here to stay or is this a process that needs to remain constant for me to experience their benefits? And will antivirals counter those benefits?

I hope I’m not being too confusing here. Just trying to gather all the information I need to live a happy and healthy life going forward.

thank you

[Hank20220805]

Just to confirm what you are saying on my second question. The Valacyclovir is slowing down my body’s ability to build antibodies and prolonging the amount of time it will take before I build up enough antibodies to to avoid auto-inoculation? So should I stop suppressive therapy until I’m 3-4 months out from my initial outbreak? If this is the case should I just take the recommended dosage for outbreaks when they happen while I wait?

Thanks

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