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.
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Others may contract the virus but experience their first outbreak much later.
The herpes simplex virus hides inside the nerve cells.
These factors make the virus particularly difficult to study and target with existing treatments like antiviral medications.
Also, antivirals dont continue to work after you stop taking them.
During an outbreak, avoid sexual contact.
Avoiding common triggers can sometimes prevent outbreaks.
Outbreaks cause painful open sores on the mouth and/or genital area.
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.
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.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Genital herpes.
