Is there a cure or treatment for Herpes Simplex Virus?
There is currently no cure that can eliminate herpes virus from the body, but antiviral medications can reduce the frequency or shorten the outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. Antiviral medications reduce viral replication by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, effectively slowing the replication rate of the virus. Antiviral medications also decrease the number of days of painful symptoms and for some people, the number of days you can spread the virus.
Conventional treatment.
The most common antiviral drugs prescribed for herpes include:
These medications can be used to shorten its course or to suppress recurrences, reduce the number outbreaks and prevent spreading the disease. All three of these oral antiviral drugs can be taken either episodically when a person has an outbreak or suppressively which is daily to help prevent the recurrence of outbreaks.
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Famciclovir (Famvir)
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
These medications can be used to shorten its course or to suppress recurrences, reduce the number outbreaks and prevent spreading the disease. All three of these oral antiviral drugs can be taken either episodically when a person has an outbreak or suppressively which is daily to help prevent the recurrence of outbreaks.
Options when prescribed antiviral drugs.
Drugs are prescribed depending on the severity of the outbreaks and the individual needs.
- Initial treatment: After you are diagnosed with herpes, you will be prescribing a brief trial (7 to 10 days) of antiviral drugs. If 10 days worth of antiviral medication does not help manage the outbreak, your doctor may continue your course of treatment for a few more days.
- Intermittent treatment: If you experience outbreaks seldom, or at irregular times, you will be prescribing an antiviral drug when outbreaks do occur. It will be more effective to start a course of drugs as soon as the outbreak happens.
- Regular treatment: If you experience frequent recurrent outbreaks which are more than 6 recurrences a year, take antiviral medication every day as it will reduce the frequency and duration of recurrent outbreaks. This is called suppressive treatment.
Alternative treatments
Certain dietary adjustments, dietary supplements, and alternative remedies are believed to be beneficial in the treatment of herpes.
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How can herpes be prevented?
- Do not share food and equipment to people who have a rash or skin fissures (ulcer).
- Avoid physical contact with a person infected with herpes. Do not kiss with someone who has a rash on the lips!
- Practice safe sex of the spouse (husband / wife). If infected with genital herpes, tell your partner immediately.
- Maintain a strong immune system through regular exercise, healthy diet and adequate rest.
Adapted From:
Comparison of Herpes Antiviral Drugs
Solutions for Herpes Simplex Type 2
How to Treat Herpes
Herpes
Comparison of Herpes Antiviral Drugs
Solutions for Herpes Simplex Type 2
How to Treat Herpes
Herpes
By
Nabilah Binti Wazali 16 JUNE 2013 |
Department of Medical Laboratory Technology,
UiTM Puncak Alam Campus
UiTM Puncak Alam Campus