There is a promising study on how to treat herpes virus regarding a new herpes vaccine. Researchers are currently working on this vaccine that may be able to prevent the infection in new patients.
Unfortunately this vaccine will not help those who already carry the virus. For people who have the disease however, there is hope in being able to control and suppress the amount of outbreaks. The following is a breakdown of medications available on how to treat the herpes virus.
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications help to stop the virus from multiplying on the surface of the skin. They are generally used to lessen the duration of time that the virus is on the skin and reduce the number of outbreaks a person will experience. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for treating herpes. Currently there are 3 herpes antiviral medications available in tablet form:
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
This antiviral medication has been available since 1982 in a topical form (as an ointment) and sold since 1985 in tablet form. Acyclovir has been show to be safe to use continuously (every day) for as long as 10 years.
Valaciclovir (Valtrex)
This is a newer drug and is most recognized by the brand name of Valtrex®. The active ingredient is acyclovir but delivers it more efficiently so that the body absorbs much of the drug which allows a person to take the medication fewer times a day.
Famciclovir (Famvir)
Famciclovir utilizes penciclovir as its active ingredient to stop HSV from replicating. Like valacyclovir, it is well absorbed, persists for a longer time in the body, and can be taken less frequently than acyclovir.
Antiviral medications are commonly prescribed for patients going through their first episode of genital herpes but can be used for recurrent episodes as well. These medications are readily available on the internet but it is highly recommended to see a physician before starting any of these treatments.
Treatment Regimens
Episodic Therapy
This approach is used at the first sign of recurrence, ideally at the first signs of prodrome, which will speed up the healing. Episodic therapy offers a useful way to manage outbreaks by cutting the length of an outbreak considerably.
Suppressive Therapy
Suppressive therapy is taken daily to eliminate (suppress) outbreaks altogether. Continuous suppressive treatment benefits people with genital herpes who experience severe, constant outbreaks because it significantly reduces both symptomatic and asymptomatic viral shedding which reduces the risk of transmission.
Both episodic and suppressive therapy is done with antiviral medications but in some cases this may not be possible. Some people have an allergic reaction to these drugs while others may not respond to the medication at all due to drug-resistant forms of herpes. Most doctors advise stopping suppressive therapy after a year in order to re-assess the activity of the disease and to reduce the risk of developing a viral resistance to the antiviral drugs.
Alternative Treatments
As herpes becomes more widely transmitted, people have successfully turned to alternative treatments for the stages of herpes. This includes natural treatments which have been clinically proven to help control and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. They are formulated around the basis of building up the immune system which prevents the recurrence of herpes. You can find out more about these best herpes treatment reviews to educate yourself more on natural treatments and find out which one would work best for you.
The frequency of outbreaks can often be managed with effective stress management and getting adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise. It is a known fact that people who are depressed, carry more hostility, and who are more easily aroused to anger, suffer more frequent outbreaks as this type of stress on the body suppresses the immune system.
There are certain types of foods that can trigger an outbreak as well as some that will help suppress this disease. Knowing the difference between the two can be very beneficial to those who are looking for ways on how to treat herpes virus. Learn the secrets you need to know in order to help prevent the spread and control herpes outbreaks.
