Anti-herpetic material such as 2-aminopurine derivatives, e.g., the aminocyclopropylcarboxylate derivatives of acyclovir, penciclovir, and ganciclovir, are described to prevent or treat autoimmune disease or a disease originating from an abnormal functioning of the sympathetic chain in a human subject. Prolonged use of the anti-herpetic compounds reduces prodrome, vesicle formation and viral shedding. The anti-herpetic compounds may be administered alone or in combination with a compound that reduces the rate of renal excretion of the anti-herpetic compound. The anti-herpetic compounds are particularly useful when administered at a level equivalent in activity to at—least about 150 mg/kg famciclovir per day.