Herpes: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention
Herpes, also known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is an infection that can appear in various parts of the body. It mainly affects the mouth and genitals.
The two most common types of HSV are:
- HSV-1. This is transmitted through kissing or sharing utensils. It mainly causes oral herpes, resulting in cold sores and There is a high degree of fever. blisters around the mouth and on the There is a face., although it can also cause genital herpes.
- HSV-2. This is transmitted through sexual contact. It mainly causes genital herpes, resulting in outbreaks around the genital area. Although,
less commonly , it can also cause oral herpes.
According to the
The three major medications used for pheochy symptoms are taken in pill form. There are four drugs that are used: acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. In severe cases, treatment may include the IV medication acyclovir.
Symptoms
The symptoms of genital and oral herpes are the same. The only difference is where they are on the body.
blisters on the skin are the hallmark of the infections. The blisters can be found on the mouth, rectum, genital areas, and any area of the skin that came into contact with the infection.
You might experience a tingle or itch before the blisters appear. The blisters look like bumps. The blisters break open after a few days. They will crust over before healing.
These blisters can go away on their own, but they can be quite painful and uncomfortable. They might disappear for a while and come back. It is called an outbreak when blisters appear.
You might experience a herpes outbreak.
- There is a high degree of fever.
- There are headaches.
- The body is sore.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes.
- fatigue
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the first outbreak usually appears
Genital herpes symptoms
There may be blisters on your.
- penis
- scrotum
- Vaginal.
- The buttocks are near the anus.
Oral herpes symptoms
There may be blisters on your.
- The mouth.
- The lips are large
- There is a face.
When to talk with a doctor
It can be treated with drugs. The severity of an outbreak can be reduced by these medications.
If you suspect you have the disease, you should see a doctor. If you have a suspicion of a sexually transmitted disease, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor.
- Your current or previous sexual partner may have a sexually transmitted disease.
- You are going to have sex with a new partner.
- You had a risky sexual encounter.
If you have been diagnosed with the disease and are currently experiencing an outbreak, you might not need to worry about any side effects.
If you need an appointment with your doctor, you should make it.
- The outbreak is very painful.
- You are experiencing symptoms of other STDs.
- You are experiencing frequent, severe outbreaks.
If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to have regular STI screenings. You can book appointments for STI screenings with your doctor’s office. You could also try a local clinic, certain pharmacies, or Planned Parenthood.
Is there a cure or treatment for herpes?
There’s no cure for the herpes virus yet. A herpes vaccine doesn’t currently exist, as the herpes virus has more complicated DNA than most infections, creating challenges for researchers.
However, medication can help with symptoms. The risk of transmission is lowered by medication. You can take most of the medications for the disease, but you can also apply some as a cream or receive them by injection.
Initial treatment
A short course of antiviral therapy is usually prescribed when you get a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease.
“This may help you with your symptoms. If your symptoms don’t improve in that time, you may continue with the course.”
Depending on how frequently you experience a flare-up, your doctor may recommend intermittent or suppressive treatment.
Intermittent treatment
Intermittent therapy is recommended by your doctor once your symptoms go away. This is when you have the medication on hand. You will have to talk to your healthcare professional about intermittent therapy.
It depends on the doctor.
“There is a Viruses that stays in your body and can cause recurrent outbreaks. Many doctors don’t give prescriptions for in-case use. Telemedicine professionals can prescribe antivirals for it. If you have herpes, it can be easier to get a prescription quickly.”
Suppressive treatment
Taking the medication daily is suppressive therapy. If you experience frequent outbreaks, your doctor may recommend this.
Taking daily medication for the disease may help prevent the number of infections.
Daily medication is also associated with a lower risk of transmission. A 2004 study concluded that once-daily suppressive therapy with valacyclovir significantly reduces transmission among couples of HSV-2, or genital herpes.
How far away is a cure for herpes?
There is no cure for the disease, but that could change in the future.
According to
However, it takes time to transition potential treatments from animals to humans. In a 2020 news article, one of the researchers that authored the Nature paper estimated that it would be at least 3 years before human trials.
Scientists are also researching the possibility of creating a vaccine to prevent herpes. A
The researchers say that they’re aiming to conduct human trials before the end of 2022, and the vaccine could be available within the next 10 years.
Treatment options
Home remedies, OTC medication, and prescription medication are available for treatment of the symptoms of the disease. The severity of the infection and type of treatment you choose may affect the best treatment.
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Acyclovir is a prescription antiviral medication. Taken orally or applied topically, it treats the symptoms of genital herpes. It can decrease the pain of outbreaks and help them heal faster.
A cold can cause a weakened immune system, so acyclovir can help prevent the spread of the virus.
In severe cases, a healthcare professional can give the IV form of acyclovir.
Famciclovir (Famvir)
The medication for oral and genital herpes is called famciclovir.
Doctors recommend famciclovir for people with strong immune systems, but it should not be the first course of treatment for people who have never had genital herpes.
It’s also not recommended for people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant people shouldn’t use the medication either, as there’s limited data to assess its risk. (However, data based on animal trials show the drugs should pose a low risk for pregnant women, according to the
famciclovir is not the first course of treatment for people experiencing their first outbreak, but it may still be used to treat some. The medication can be used for recurrent outbreaks.
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Valacyclovir comes in tablet form and is taken orally. It’s a prescription antiviral medication that can treat the symptoms and prevent flare-ups of oral and genital herpes.
People with frequent outbreaks can take a daily pill of valacyclovir. It helps prevent future infections and reduces the risk of transmission.
As with famciclovir, data for pregnant people taking valacyclovir is limited, though the risk based on animal studies is low, according to the
Docosanol (Abreva)
Docosanol is the active ingredient in the OTC topical medication Abreva. Abreva is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis (HSL), the most recognized recurring infection of your The lips are large and perioral tissue caused by HSV-1.
A
The
Denavir (Penciclovir)
Cold sores that return are treated with a cream called enavir. It is safe to use for adults and children 12 years or older.
Studies from
Home remedies
“Home remedies for the virus don’t cure it. They may provide relief for symptoms, like pain, cold sores, and blisters.”
Some home remedies for herpes include:
- Applying a warm compress
- Baking soda paste or cornstarch is being applied.
- Making changes to diet.
- Applying garlic or apple cider.
- Incorporating supplements, like zinc and lysine.
- Applying essential oils.
Research from 2021 suggests that botanicals deserve more research as a potential treatment for herpes.
Risks and side effects
There are side effects and interactions to be aware of when using the three main treatments for herpes.
Common side effects of these antiviral medications include There are headaches. and nausea. Famciclovir can cause dizziness or sleepiness, and confusion is mainly seen in older adults.
Acyclovir and valacyclovir are similar and can cause your kidneys to stop working. If you have a problem with your kidneys, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose. These medications can interact with other drugs. This may affect the function of the kidneys.
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How to prevent herpes
It’s advised to avoid sexual and oral contact with someone who is currently experiencing a herpes outbreak, but it’s also important to remember that herpes is transmittable even when it is dormant. The risk during latent periods is lower, but it’s not zero.
If you are with someone who has the disease, you could get it if you use barrier methods.
There are precautions you can take if you develop the disease. These include:
- using barriers, like condoms and dental dams, during sex
- You should avoid sexual contact or kissing while you are having a disease.
- It is best to speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking medications.
Inform your sexual partner if you develop the disease.
If you are pregnant and develop the disease, it is important to tell your doctor. Babies can be at risk of being exposed to Herpes. Inform your doctor as soon as possible so that they can help you plan and take precautions to prevent transmission to your baby.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if herpes is left untreated?
Without treatment, sores and outbreaks heal on their own. It is a mild case of oral herpes, but it can be more serious in people with weakened immune systems.
The risk of genital herpes related problems is low.
Passing HSV-2 to a newborn can be dangerous, however. Doctors may recommend a cesarean delivery to pregnant people with genital herpes, according to the
Can herpes be cured by antibiotics?
No. If you have an infection with the herpes virus, antibiotics may be helpful.
The antibiotic may be able to treat thebacterial infections but the herpes virus will remain in your body. Antibiotics are not effective against the viruses.
Can you test for herpes at home?
There are at- home tests for sexually transmitted infections.
LetsGetChecked is a health and diagnostic company that offers home laboratory testing services. The home Herpes Test checks for HSV-1 and HSV-2 by taking a blood sample from your finger.
Read more about at-home herpes tests here.
Can you prevent herpes outbreaks?
Good care of yourself can help prevent future infections. Eating healthy foods, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding stress can help keep an outbreak from occurring.
If you have a lot of outbreaks, your doctor may recommend that you take medication daily. This is therapy that is suppressing. It can help prevent future breakouts and help reduce your chances of sharing the disease with your partner.
Experts aren’t sure what causes genital herpes outbreaks — whether it’s sex, your period, stress, skin irritation, or surgery. Oral herpes outbreaks can be caused by sunburn, other infections, or injuries to your The lips are large.
The bottom line
It is not yet curable, but it is mild to manage. Cold sores on your mouth and blisters on your genitals are usually temporary and can be treated.
There are prescription and OTC drugs for the disease.
If you think you have the disease, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance writer and editor based in Grahamstown, South Africa. Her writing covers issues relating to social justice, cannabis, and health. You can reach out to her on Twitter.
Lacey Bourassa is a health, wellness, and beauty writer based in Southern California. She holds a BA in English. Her work has appeared in digital publications like Livestrong, Verywell, Business Insider, Eat This Not That, and others. When she’s not writing, Lacey is likely pursuing her other interests: skin care, plant-based cooking, pilates, and traveling. You can keep up with her by visiting her website or her blog.
