Is There a Cure for Herpes? Current Treatments and Future Possibilities
Medically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DOMedically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DOHerpes is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects approximately 11.9% of people age 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, only becoming “active” at certain times. While often asymptomatic, herpes can lead to painful sores around the genitals, rectum, and/or mouth. Genital herpes can be caused by two different viruses—herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)—and is passed through skin-to-skin contact with someone with it.
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Why There Is No Cure for HerpesResearchers haven’t yet identified a cure for herpes. 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 contracting HSV-1 or HSV-2. Others may contract the virus but experience their first outbreak much later. The herpes simplex virus “hides” inside the nerve cells. It can be activated and reactivated at various times throughout a person’s lifetime, often by common triggers like stress or illness. These factors make the virus particularly difficult to study, as well as to target with existing treatments like antiviral medications.Promising Approaches and Experimental TreatmentsThere are several, different approaches in development to treat or prevent genital herpes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), some examples of methods currently being researched are:Gene-editing therapy: Some researchers believe that gene therapy could suppress HSV while it’s latent, preventing the virus from reactivating and causing future outbreaks. Animal studies have found that gene-editing technology, such as meganuclease enzymes that act as “scissors,” could be effective in targeting, cutting, and deactivating herpes Simplexvirus DNA.Vaccines: Several different HSV vaccines are in development, including attenuated vaccines (which contain a weakened form of the virus), DNA/RNA vaccines, and protein subunit vaccines. Some of the vaccines being developed would be therapeutic, meaning they could “cure” or treat herpes, while others are prophylactic (preventive). The results of clinical trials for potential herpes vaccines have been mixed thus far. Novel treatments: Monoclonal antibodies and novel antivirals that work differently from those on the market are also being looked into as potential herpes cures.Treatment Options for HerpesWhile no cure is available for genital herpes, antiviral medications may 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: Famvir (famciclovir)Valtrex (valacyclovir)Zovirax (acyclovir)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 the human 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 InfectionThe only surefire way to prevent genital herpes is to avoid sexual contact, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. You can lower your chance of getting or spreading herpes by using a latex or polyurethane condom correctly every time you have sex, even if neither you nor your partner has an active outbreak. If you have genital herpes, it’s important to tell your current and recent sexual partners so they can get tested. Also is 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 coming into contact with sores or fluids, and don’t share personal household items with anyone else until a few days after your symptoms have subsided. You can sometimes prevent outbreaks by avoiding common triggers. For example, some people whose outbreaks are triggered by sunlight may lower their chances by applying sunscreen or avoiding prolonged sun exposure.SummaryGenital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection, is caused by the viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2. Outbreaks cause painful open sores on the mouth and/or genital area. There’s currently no known herpes cure, partly because the virus often lies dormant in the nerve cells. Further research and awareness are needed.Most people with herpes are prescribed a course of antiviral medication during their first outbreak to reduce symptoms. Potential treatment options in development include therapeutic or preventive vaccines and gene therapy. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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