How Is Herpes Treated?
It is difficult to prevent the spread of HSV. Partly this is because most infected people don’t know that they carry HSV and can spread it. Even people who know they are infected with HSV may not realize they can transmit the infection without an open herpes sore. Condoms can reduce the rate of HSV transmission. However, they cannot prevent it. HSV infections can be transmitted to and from a larger genital area, such as that area covered by “boxer shorts” — and also around the mouth. If people with herpes take valacyclovir every day, they can reduce the risk of transmitting herpes to others. Once daily valacyclovir is approved for persons without HIV who have up to 9 outbreaks a year. However, once daily therapy is less effective in people with HIV and in others with very frequent episodes. Drug companies are working on vaccines to prevent HSV. One vaccine showed good results against HSV2 in women, but not in men. No vaccines have been approved yet to prevent HSV infection, but resear
