Herpes Medication found in my husbands bag

[countrysidefields]

I have just found empty packets of tablets from an online pharmacy box dated 17th dec 2024 for anciclovir in my husbands laptop bag.
All the empty packets and packing was also in the box, like it was hidden in there.
When I googled that medication it's used for genital herpes. He doesn't and never has had cold sores.
I am obviously thinking the worst seeing how it was hidden away. Please don't judge me, I wasn't actually looking on purposes, I happened to come across it.
Am I right to be assuming the worst?

It’s not straightforward to just ‘get checked’ NHS clinics only test people who have sores (which is only the minority of people who catch herpes). So people who get a ‘full screening’ aren’t actually tested for herpes. I think you could possibly go private and pay for a blood test.

There's no point getting tested unless you have an outbreak as it won't show up. Herpes can lie dormant in the body for years then flare up when you're run down or stressed. So him having it doesn't mean he's cheating. The secrecy, however, I would find concerning

I didnt realise they can't test unless you have a flare up

Husband should have told wife before sex.

Thank you I appreciate your comments

Probably because is so much quicker and easier to order from Superdrug but it makes me wonder how he knew what the problem was/what treatment to request unless he’s had a flare up in the past.

You can get a general STD check done which would set your mind at rest should what you might be fearing be the case.

It's a good thing you're not instantly flying off the handle and pointing fingers at him ... 👍

This could genuinely be something quite innocent; but that burning question of why they were hidden away will continue to burn.
And, if it were something innocent, why not just tell you?
I can imagine your head being in quite a spin.

As a previous poster has advised, take pictures of them, if only for your own piece of mind.
What's his schedule like? Could he have time for a quickie? A full blown affair? Knowing what you've found, think backwards - anything out of the ordinary? Anything that didn't make sense the more you think about it?

When you're ready to talk to him. Say very little - see how he fills the silence.

For what it's worth, I hope this IS something rather innocent. Goodluck OP 🫶

Thank you, appreciate your post and words

How long you’ve been married? genital herpes can lay dormant for many years, don’t jump to conclusions just yet.

If he knew. They haven't had sex recently and it could be a first flare up.

@pompey38 sorry I should have said, we have been together a long time, married 15 years but been together 26 all together

The first outbreak is from a recent interaction. It doesn't lay dormant the first time. It does however for other outbreaks

Does he leave him email account logged in? Can you go onto his laptop and search ‘Superdrug’ in his emails?

I know many people will disagree with this. But it’s what I would do.

I wouldn’t disagree with it where there are very obviously clear grounds for suspicion - it’s just smart then to gather evidence…!

Unfortunately, I would be thinking the same as you. It doesn't look good, if he had shingles he would be unwell and I am sure would have told you about it.

I think you are right to take it slowly, take photos of the meds and ask him when you feel the time is right. As PPs have said it's more than likely that he will come up with an explanation of some sorts. Has his behaviour changed recently, any extra days in the office or nights out? Any unusual phone activity?

He and I work from home, he does travel for work and stays over 1 night roughly once a month maybe twice sometimes. So yes there would be opportunity I suppose.

will you be together tonight?

I have photographs of the medication. I don't have access to emails and is rather not go looking, I'd rather talk to him when I feel the time is right

so you’re both home right now?!

Don't talk to him and don't have sex until you get to the bottom of this. He wouldn't hide them if they were innocent.
Get a blood test for herpes, it's not routinely tested for without an active outbreak but a blood test does exist privately and online. It would be good to know of your status as part of the situation..stay calm and dig for more evidence. If you have the resources and desire to leave go ahead and confront otherwise it's more humiliating telling him you know he cheats, caught an std and yet you stay. It will make him not even bother hide the affair(s) and his attitude to you will worsen. Don't share towels with him, don't sleep naked next to him.

Is it an anti viral so can be used for many things not just herpes.

Is it definitely anciclovir? I was just having a look for other explanations but can't find that drug online.

He will probably just lie and delete any evidence in super drug
I just checked my superdrug pharmacy account and I have messages going back a few trays with prescription for cystitis and HRT.
but it’s there if you need evidence that’s he lying

Forgive me if you have been told this already but this medication can be used to treat

Cold Sores: Aciclovir can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sores.
Genital Herpes: It is used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Aciclovir can help alleviate the pain and speed up the healing of shingles.
Chickenpox: It can be prescribed to treat chickenpox, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Eye Infections: Aciclovir eye ointments or drops can treat herpes simplex virus infections of the eye

In all honesty I can see no reason for not telling you if he has a chickenpox/shingles related issues so it doesn't sound good.

Delicate question but has he been performing in the bedroom with you and has he been using a condom? You can treat yourself all you like if you have herpes but its easily transmittable and to reduce the risk of transmission, it's important to use protection, such as condoms, and to communicate openly with sexual partners about any potential risks. He can give it to you and then you can pass it back to him. If you have any concerns it's a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.