For Herpes I, sitting in a dentist chair can cause enough anxiety to trip the switch. Patients have reported going into a full outbreak within minutes after sitting down in the chair. For Herpes II, a women's menstrual cycle can trip the switch. Women report having an outbreak every month during their period. For Herpes II, any form of accumulated stress can trip the switch.
Emotional upset appears to be the most common factor accounting for recurrent outbreaks.
Keeping the body more alkaline by reducing acid forming foods can be very helpful. For example, reducing your intake of coffee each day may help tremendously. The idea that we have herpes for life, while true, does not mean we have to endure outbreaks for life. The majority of people with herpes will be able to associate factors in their life which contribute to an onset of herpes. Making adjustments here is the first place to begin.