Antiviral chewing gum to reduce influenza and herpes simplex virus transmission

The antiviral valacyclovir was discussed in an article in The Economist recently. Is used to treat herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles). What the Economist article discussed is that the drug seems to reduce the severity and onset of dementia. The drug's patent expired long ago.

I'll be seeing my doc soon and will be requesting to begin treatment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valaciclovir

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7045215/

A family member ran into some insane insomnia when they took valcyclovir prophylactically. Like falling asleep at bedtime, and waking up 20 minutes later like they had a good a nap.

YMMV.