Currently, there is no cure for herpes; the virus remains in the body for life, residing in nerve cells and periodically causing outbreaks[5][6][7]. However, available treatments, including antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, can help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others[2][4][6][8].
Suppressive therapy involves taking antiviral medication daily and can significantly decrease outbreaks and asymptomatic viral shedding, which helps prevent transmission[4][6]. Episodic therapy (taking medication at the start of symptoms) can also shorten and ease outbreaks[8]. Topical medications and over-the-counter options may offer symptom relief but do not cure or eliminate the virus[2].
Experimental research is ongoing. Recent laboratory studies using gene-editing technology have shown promising results—removing up to 90% or more of herpes virus from infected tissue in animals, but these therapies are not yet available to humans[1]. New drugs (such as pritelivir), microbicides, and vaccines are also being studied[3][5][7]. Despite this progress, no treatment currently eradicates the virus from the body.
In summary, you can’t get rid of herpes completely with present treatments, but medications and therapies make it manageable, and research is advancing toward better solutions.
References
- [1] Herpes cure with gene editing makes progress in laboratory studies
- [2] Treatment for Genital Herpes – American Sexual Health Association
- [3] New Treatments in the Pipeline for Genital Herpes – WebMD
- [4] Treatment Options – New Zealand Herpes Foundation
- [5] Why is there no cure for herpes? – Medical News Today
- [6] Herpes – STI Treatment Guidelines – CDC
- [7] What’s the Status on a Herpes Vaccine and Cure? – GoodRx
- [8] Treatment Options for Managing Genital Herpes – WebMD
Leave a Reply