No, there is no cure for Herpes Simplex. Herpes Simplex is a virus comparable to the common cold, it is nearly as common and it comes back again again.
It is estimated that 50-80% of the population carry the Herpes virus and most
are not even aware of it. It is possible to carry the Herpes virus without visible
outbreaks for years.

Unfortunately it is very easy to catch Herpes and it is not only contagious when
there are visible symptoms. You can catch Herpes via close skin contact, typically
kissing or oral sex but you can also catch Herpes from sharing drinks or towels.

Herpes is by no means a life threatening virus however and there are rarely any
serious side effects.

You cannot cure Herpes Simplex - But you can treat it with good results

See your doctor if you
suspect that you have caught Herpes. It is best to see a doctor when you
have visible symptoms. The doctor will either base the diagnosis purely
on seeing your symptoms or he may want to do a blood test or a swab.

Oral Herpes - Cold Sores

Many people are devastated when they see the symptoms of Oral
Herpes or cold sores appear whereas others are just mildly annoyed. The worst effects are social-psychological. The symptoms are a rash
that turns into blisters which then turns into a dry scab. Around the mouth area, this can be quite unattractive.

Oral Herpes is treated with creams containing Acyclovir or Penciclovir.
The main brands are Zovirax and Vectavir. They are available in
pharmacies without a prescription but you should still see a doctor for a
diagnosis.< The creams work best if applied before the symptoms appear. You may
feel tingling or irritation around the infected area. Do not use your fingers to
apply the cream, use a cotton bud. Wash your hands first and avoid touching the
tip of the cotton bud. Do not dip the cotton bud more than once in the cream, use
several if needed. This way you avoid cross contamination which may slow down or
even eliminate the effects of the cream.

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is needless to say easier to hide. It is also a little
more difficult to catch as it is mostly sexually transmitted but
it is still very common. The symptoms are the same as Oral Herpes but around
the genital area and may be anywhere between the waist and knees.

Genital Herpes is treated with antiviral medicines:

• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Valacyclovir

These can be prescribed by your doctor. You may have to try several of
them to find out which one has the best effect for you. For some, the antiviral
medicines may even prevent further outbreaks if used correctly.

General Herpes Precaution and Prevention

People with Herpes outbreaks usually don't even want to kiss or engage in sexual
activity. This is when Herpes is most contagious but it is also contagious
just before you have an outbreak and has also been known to transfer from people
who have never had an outbreak but just carry the virus. You must
therefore be careful if you know you have Herpes:

• Avoid sexual activity when you have an outbreak
• Wash your hands regularly and hold your hand over your mouth when you
  sneeze
• Do not share drinks, food or towels
• Tell your partner. He or she will probably be more upset if you don't and
  they end up catching Herpes from you

A healthy lifestyle will contribute to keeping outbreaks at a
minimum. Typical triggers of outbreaks are:

• Stress
• Tiredness
• A cold or practically any other illness

All the above lowers your immune defense system which seems to be the key for
many people. Eat healthily, get enough sleep and avoid stressful situations. This may
be difficult at times but decide what your priorities are. Herpes is not a
dangerous virus and most people learn to live with it. You will learn to

recognize the first signs of an outbreak as well as the triggers and this will enable you to live a perfectly normal life for most of the time.

Related Links

• The Herpes treatment page
• How to prevent passing Herpes Simplex to others
• How to prevent outbreaks of Herpes Simplex

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