Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy There Is No CureExperimental TreatmentsTreatment OptionsPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why There Is No Cure
Experimental Treatments
Treatment Options
Prevention
Herpes is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects approximately 11.9% of people 14 to 49 years old in the United States. There is no known cure for herpes.This is likely because herpes is often dormant in the nerve cells and only becomes “active” at certain times.
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Why There Is No Cure for Herpes
Researchers haven’t yet identified a herpes cure. Outbreaks can be managed with treatment, but genital herpes is a lifelong condition.
This may be due to the way the herpes virus affects the body. Many people never experience symptoms after contractingHSV-1orHSV-2. Others may contract the virus but experience their first outbreak much later.
Promising Approaches and Experimental Treatments
There are several different approaches in development to treat or prevent genital herpes. Some examples of methods currently being researched are:
Treatment Options for Herpes
While no cure is available for genital herpes,antiviral medicationsmay help to reduce the length and severity of your symptoms. During a herpes outbreak, especially a first outbreak, which is likely to be more painful and prolonged, you may be prescribed one of the following antiviral drugs for seven to 10 days:
Antiviral therapy may help to alleviate symptoms during an outbreak, but it isn’t effective when the virus is latent. Also, antivirals don’t continue to work after you stop taking them.
Some people may benefit from suppressive antiviral therapy, which refers to taking one of the above medications daily to prevent recurrent herpes outbreaks. If you have other risk factors for complications, such as a weakened immune system or thehuman immunodeficiency virus(HIV), your healthcare provider might suggest suppressive therapy.
During an outbreak, warm baths, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, and comfortable, loose-fitting clothes may help to soothe symptoms. Oral herpes sores may be less painful if you apply ice, eat a Popsicle, or have a cold beverage.
How to Prevent a Herpes Infection
If you have genital herpes, it’s important to tell your current and recent sexual partners so they can get tested. Also, if you have it and are in a romantic relationship with someone who doesn’t have it, your healthcare provider may suggest taking antiviral medication on a prophylactic basis to prevent transmission.
During an outbreak, avoid sexual contact. Wash your hands after contact with sores or fluids, and don’t share personal household items with anyone else until a few days after your symptoms have subsided.
Summary
There is currently no known cure for herpes, partly because the virus often lies dormant in nerve cells. Further research and awareness are needed.
Most people with herpes are prescribed antiviral medication during their first outbreak to reduce symptoms. Potential treatment options in development include therapeutic or preventive vaccines and gene therapy.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.National Institutes of Health.Strategic plan for herpes simplex research virus 2023-2028.Aubert M, Haick AK, Strongin DE, et al.Gene editing for latent herpes simplex virus infection reduces viral load and shedding in vivo.Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):4018. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-47940-yCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021: Genital herpes.MedlinePlus.Genital herpes.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Genital herpes.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.National Institutes of Health.Strategic plan for herpes simplex research virus 2023-2028.Aubert M, Haick AK, Strongin DE, et al.Gene editing for latent herpes simplex virus infection reduces viral load and shedding in vivo.Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):4018. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-47940-yCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021: Genital herpes.MedlinePlus.Genital herpes.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Genital herpes.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.National Institutes of Health.Strategic plan for herpes simplex research virus 2023-2028.Aubert M, Haick AK, Strongin DE, et al.Gene editing for latent herpes simplex virus infection reduces viral load and shedding in vivo.Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):4018. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-47940-yCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021: Genital herpes.MedlinePlus.Genital herpes.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Genital herpes.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
National Institutes of Health.Strategic plan for herpes simplex research virus 2023-2028.
Aubert M, Haick AK, Strongin DE, et al.Gene editing for latent herpes simplex virus infection reduces viral load and shedding in vivo.Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):4018. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-47940-y
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021: Genital herpes.
MedlinePlus.Genital herpes.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Genital herpes.
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