How to cope living with herpes?

Hi Henry,
I contracted herpes from someone who lied to me about it. I was only 18 years old so that means I have had it for about 40 years. I sure am glad they came out with the Valtrex because back then I did not have it at least not in the same form as now. I found that I needed to be honest with anyone I had sex with before I did. I could not bear to give that to someone else. Most importantly, use protection. I know about all of the shame, guilt that comes with it. I have found that taking 1 Valtrex per day for maintenance really helps when you have a breakout and to shorten the length of time of the breakout. A doctor told me that years ago. You are never trapped. You did not mention if your current partner told you they had it or not prior to giving it to you. If she had it and never told you, I would not stay stuck with them. You can still have a happy and fulfilling life just move on. It gets better and you are not a bad person.
Take Care, cbenjam14

Hi Henry,
As Masso said, asking your doctor about a prescription for Valtrex is a good starting point. If you're uncomfortable asking your regular doctor, a sexual health clinic should be able to help you, but it's important to update your doctor about any new medications.
I'm sorry you are feeling shame. It is important to remember that you have done nothing wrong. HSV, the herpes simplex virus, is extremely common, and it is estimated that at least 25% of all adults have it. This does not mean that 25% of all adults have done something wrong or are unclean; it simply means that it's an extremely infectious, easily transmitted virus. While it is often transmitted sexually, it can be transmitted by a lot of things, including sharing water bottles if someone has an oral infection. This is why it's important not to share food or beverages with someone who has an active cold sore.
Take care, and go easy on yourself if you can

Have you tried Valtrex (Valacyclovir), this is an antiviral medication which is used to treat herpes simplex amongst other ailments, you should talk to your Dr. about the possibility of taking this medication which is very effective.

https://www.drugs.com/valtrex.html

All the best, and it does have a solution although it does not have a cure, you can treat your STD.