joyce
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        Valtrex is basically prescribed for Herpes Zoster (shingles) and genital herpes. It does not eliminate all herpes virus and is not a cure. Also  recurrence is possible (genital herpes).  Avoid sexual intercourse if herpes blisters and swelling are present.  One of the possible side effects on long term use is that certain strains of genital herpes virus will become immune to the drug and the drug will no longer work as a treatment.  There is a herb you might try called  Pau D'Arco that works very well on shingles. It is a tree bark from Brazil.  It may help you. Look it up on the net to learn more about it.