Know more about herpes

Most of us are so accustomed to taking medications and antibiotics that helps us get rid of various health problems as soon as possible that we do the same to treat sexually transmitted infections and get our sexual health back on track. Various antiviral drugs are available on the market that help in treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Different drugs work in different ways. But, these drugs do not cure you of the problem; they only treat the medical conditions and symptoms associated with it.

About genital herpes

Herpes simplex virus has a complicated life cycle and this enables it to persist in the body for life. It is protected in the neurons. The virus can be attacked and genital herpes can be treated. This can only be done by antiviral drugs. While the body cannot get rid of herpes virus, the infection can certainly be brought under control and the symptoms can be kept at a minimum. You can also suppress the virus from reactivating itself in the genital organs.

For many years, it was believed that people with genital herpes could not benefit from use of medications but this argument was proved wrong when effective antiviral medications were launched in the market in 1985. These medications came in various forms such as liquid formulations, pills and capsules.

Today, more than 20 years after the advent of such medications, the options of treatment have expanded yet again, with a variety of new antiviral agents hitting the market. Anyone who is significantly affected by any health condition associated with herpes virus, should consult a doctor and seek treatment at the soonest. Treatment regimens range from person to person and the severity of the problem.

Treatment

Treating the first outbreak of herpes will take around 7-10 days. You will have to take medication everyday, once or twice depending on the prescription. Clinical trials have proved that sores heal faster with medication. Taking good medications also reduces the chances of meningitis and other health conditions, which are normally associated with genital herpes. Anyone who is experiencing the first outbreak of herpes should take an antiviral drug as treatment.

Recurrence treatment

When you suffer from an outbreak after the first outbreak, you should change the treatment. You can start the therapy before the herpes lesions start. Effective medications can help shorten the duration of the outbreak. Treatment for recurrent attacks is most effective if it is initiated as soon as you notice symptoms.

Suppressive therapy

In order to reduce the likelihood of recurrences, you can take antiviral drugs regularly for a long period of time. Suppressive therapy should be initiated before sexual activity so that the best results can be obtained.

Medications

The first and most successful drug for treatment of genital herpes is acyclovir. It was launched in 80s and since then it has maintained the number one spot. It is commercially sold as Zovirax. It is also available in the generic form and comes in topical, oral and intravenous formulations. Oral medication is used the most as most doctors do not feel that topical formulation of this drug is as useful for the treatment of herpes.