Herpes outbreak following whooping cough and flu jabs

[BabyD6]

Morning

I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence but I’ve had a herpes outbreak a day after I’ve had my flu jab and whooping cough vaccine. I am 24 weeks pregnant, and not had sex since finding out we were pregnant!

Prior to pregnancy I has outbreaks every few months, and I would take aciclovir tablets as soon as I had an outbreak.

Do you think I should start taking the tablets again now? I’m in two minds… I’m thinking do I let my immune system fight it off itself to build up my immune system? Or do I just take the tablets to help get rid of it sooner?

Going to ring my doctors but thought I’d ask on here for anyone who’s been in the same situation…

Have you already been advised by a medical professional that it is safe to take during pregnancy?

If it's safe to take I would crack in with it. Why make yourself miserable?

Hi OP

I had an outbreak when I was around 16 weeks pregnant. The doctor said aciclovir was safe to take and I had a 5 day course.
It didn't cause any issues at all so as long as your doc says it's ok and you're happy then I would take them. Who knows how long it will last if not xx

I believe it's safe to take during pregnancy - at least it certainly was when I took it 6 years ago, I checked with many doctors, midwife, research online etc. But i would double check with your doctors in case things have changed.

Ring your MW or see a pharmacist about the safety of acyclovir in pregnancy.

And no, your immune system isn't something like a muscle that you have to give work outs to in order for it to strengthen.

Dealing with an infection depletes your immune system for a period afterwards (though hopefully it learns to recognise it and see it off with less impact on you next time). Pregnancy also dampens your immune system (hence vaccinations that are not indicated when not pregnancy-suppressed).

I had an outbreak due to Covid when I was 30 weeks pregnant (I didn't have it for 10 years beforehand!).
The doctor prescribed acyclovir and I was taking one every day until I gave birth. It is safe to take (much safer than risking an outbreak during labour) but definitely discuss it with your GP first!

Thanks for all your replies.. ❤️

It says it’s safe to take in pregnancy, but I decided today to ride it out and let it heal by itself.. Still got plenty of time before baby arrives. I just wondered if people who have experienced similar decided to take the tablets or let it heal by itself..

I do have my midwife appointment on Monday so will let her know. I did mention it at my booking appointment and she did say from 36 weeks that they may prescribe tablets to take daily up until birth x

Op I also have herpes and a 4 week old baby.

I had three outbreaks in the first 11 weeks 😳. I also had one at about 35 week. I just got my prescription early from the doctors that the midwife sent over ... they will get you to take aclicovir for the last month anyways to protect baby as herpes is fatal to babies and they won't let you deliver naturally if you have an outbreak for obvious reasons.

I've just had a small outbreak this week but haven't treated it. My worst symptom is fatigue/brain fog which isn't ideal with a newborn 😳

It will flare up with your hormones.

Is this something that’s caused by the whooping cough vaccine on its own or would you have needed to have this before and the vaccine has flared it up?

Sorry for asking, I’m due my whooping cough vaccine in a week or so and just wondering if there’s an issue with the vaccine.

You will not get herpes from your whooping cough vaccine.

It's probably coincidence this has occurred after the vaccine but OP already had herpes.

@fedup0987 thank you, I wasn’t sure if there was an issue with the vaccine so I appreciate your reply

@fedup0987 Oh bless you! Congratulations on your newborn ❤️
I’m letting this episode ride it out but midwife did say from 36 weeks to take tablets, so will make sure I’ve got them ready from about 30 weeks to start taking.

@SarahB88 No, I already had before pregnancy. It did not come from the whooping cough vaccine.. It can lay dormant for years before you get any symptoms, and seems to be triggered by low immune system, stress, sickness etc so was worried if I had an outbreak due to the vaccine. Not sure if it was a coincidence or not..