Not taking antiviral medication for HSV-1 or HSV-2 can be acceptable, especially if you rarely experience outbreaks. Here are some factors to consider: 1. Outbreak Frequency: If your outbreaks are ...

Not everyone with herpes needs to take antiviral medication if they don't experience frequent outbreaks. Some people may have very mild or rare symptoms, and in such cases, not taking antivirals might be okay. It's really a personal decision based on your situation and what you're comfortable with.

However, it's essential to consider things like reducing the risk of transmission to partners even when asymptomatic or having infrequent outbreaks. Antiviral medications can help reduce shedding of the virus (when the virus is active but no sores are present) which can lower transmission rates.

If you rarely have outbreaks and feel fine without medication, that could be alright too as long as you communicate openly about your status with any potential partners for informed consent regarding sexual activities.