I am 55, female. 30 years ago, I caught chicken pox. A mild case, and no visible blisters. Since then I have had to take acyclovir 800 mg for outbreaks, which include any of the following: headache, eye, face, jaw pain on one side, sore throat, aches/pains in abdomen. The drug used to stop the symptoms rather quickly. However, this year, I have had recurrences frequently, but I used to get it once every 2 years or so. It s almost constant symptoms for the last several months. The medicine no longer works so well and seems to make my kidneys ache. However, I can t stand the symptoms, either. Also, am I contagious?