Genital herpes: antiviral therapy for symptom relief and prevention of transmission

Abstract

The episodic and daily suppressive treatment of genital herpes is safe and effective with the currently available antiviral agents: acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. Clinical strategies for the comprehensive management of genital herpes simplex virus infections are recommended. Data from recent clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of shorter duration of therapy for recurrences and the use of antivirals for the prevention of transmission are reviewed in this article. The factors influencing the choice of therapy, such as cost, ease of dosing and acyclovir resistance are also discussed.

Keywords::

• acyclovir
• episodic
• famciclovir
• genital herpes
• herpes simplex virus type-2
• prevention
• recurrence
• valacyclovir

Acknowledgement

Supported by NIH grant AI-30731.