faq1

Is there/ will there soon be a "cure"?

There is no scientifically proven cure for herpes that will eradicate the virus from the body, or permanently eradicate symptoms. There is no prospect of such a cure in the near future.
However, currently available treatments are highly effective in controlling symptoms and have a low rate of side effects. If taken correctly, they can virtually eliminate all symptoms of herpes during the course of treatment.
Many people find that after a course of continuous antiviral therapy the symptoms of genital herpes do not recur. This is not because the condition has been "cured"; by the antiviral therapy, it is likely that the herpes symptoms would have settled without the treatment, which merely masked the natural course of the disease. This situation probably also applies when claims are made about alternative treatments "curing"; genital herpes.

Is there/will there soon be a vaccination?

Vaccines against herpes have been produced, but they are still considered experimental drugs. Over the last few years, widespread clinical trials into vaccines against genital herpes have been carried out. These trials are designed to establish whether the vaccines will prevent outbreaks of genital herpes in people who have not experienced it previously; they are not a treatment for people with herpes. Conclusive results from the trials are not yet available. We do not yet know how effective these vaccines will be.

What are the best alternative treatments? Can you recommend any?

A number of different "alternative"; treatments have been used in the treatment of genital herpes. Some people have reported success with various combinations of vitamins and amino acids and certain therapies have been used widely for many years. However, the only treatments proven in controlled trials to have a significant benefit are the antiviral agents referred to on this web site: aciclovir, famciclovir, valaciclovir, as well as some other agents not used as widely, such as penciclovir.
Because the other "alternative"; agents are not scientifically proven, the Australian Herpes Management Forum does not make any recommendations on these treatments.
If you decide to take "alternative"; treatments, be sure to ask about potential side effects and interactions with other conditions you might have or medications you might be taking.