Overall health

Taking care of yourself will help you manage the virus more effectively. Just like a car, there are certain things you need to provide to keep things running along smoothly:

• Get plenty of sleep.
  • Most of us need sleep to operate effectively.
     
• Practise meditation or another form of relaxation.
  • Many people find this is a great stress release.
     
• Eat a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • The more colour you can get into your body the better. Don’t just live on white bread, pasta, rice and chips!
     
• Drink plenty of water.
  • Our bodies are primarily made up of water. Eight glasses a day is the recommended amount to keep the average person well hydrated.

Anyone who’s in good health, eating well and getting plenty of rest and relaxation, is less likely to have outbreaks than someone who’s run-down.

You may like to keep a diary to track when out breaks occur. A pattern may emerge with outbreaks coinciding with a certain time in the month or with times you’ve been rundown or tired. You can avoid these situations or use antiviral therapy to cope with the symptoms during a known stressful period for you.

There are lots of things you can do to adapt to having the virus and get on with life – including maintaining a healthy relationship and sex life.

Your sexual health isn’t just about controlling symptoms and avoiding other STIs. It’s also about feeling good about yourself and comfortable with your choices. Check our links page for some useful sites with more information and advice.