Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections, including herpes labialis (also known as cold sores), herpes zoster (also known as shingles), and herpes simplex (also known as genital herpes) in adults. It is also used to treat chickenpox and cold sores in children.

In your body, valacyclovir becomes the anti-herpes medicine, acyclovir. Although valacyclovir will not cure shingles or genital herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores heal faster. Read more: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/valacyclovir-oral-route/description/drg-20066635

Researchers are studying the use of anti-virals in the treatment of long COVID symptoms. See this study from 2023
- Treatment of Long-Haul COVID Patients With Off-Label Acyclovir https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10205150/

@tkinder, you can see all your comments in your profile: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/member/00-30e070e8f693b11f494680/activity/comments/

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I see you have participated in this related discussion:
- Anyone have experience with acyclovir antiviral for long covid? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/acyclovir-antiviral-for-long-covid