Genital herpes is a virus that cannot be cured, but it can be managed with antiviral medications. These medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, but they do not provide lasting benefits. Natural remedies may provide some relief during an outbreak, but none of them can cure herpes permanently. Like the common cold, herpes is a widespread virus that cannot be cured.
People infected with the virus will remain infected for life and must manage outbreaks when they occur. Herpes is difficult to cure because it can hide in nerve cells for a long time before becoming active. Even when there are no symptoms, the infection can still spread. Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms that may be overlooked or confused with another skin condition.
In some cases, the virus may remain asymptomatic, meaning that no outbreaks will ever occur. Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine to prevent the spread of herpes, so it is important to use protection and precautions when engaging in sexual activity with other people. Pregnant women with symptoms of genital herpes should see a doctor, as there is a risk of neonatal herpes. Scientists do not yet fully understand the mechanism by which the herpes virus is activated in the body, and anyone can get infected, especially those with weakened immune systems. Neonatal herpes occurs when a pregnant person transmits the infection to the fetus before, during, or immediately after delivery.
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that treats infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, including genital herpes. Condoms can help reduce risk, but they may not provide 100 percent protection because the virus can survive in areas not covered by condoms. An estimated 3.7 billion people worldwide are infected with HSV-1, the most common type of herpes virus. This medication stops the virus from growing and spreading during an outbreak, although it cannot completely eliminate it from the body. Phototherapy has become one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent unwanted outbreaks of genital herpes and cold sores thanks to Luminance RED.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for herpes, meaning those infected will remain so for life (or until a long-term cure is discovered).
