How to Treat Herpes 2

Herpes simplex virus two, or HSV-2, is any form of herpes that is sexually transmitted. Most commonly this form of herpes is referred to as genital herpes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 45 million Americans over the age of 12 are currently infected with the HSV-2 virus. There is no cure for herpes; however, there are ways to help treat the virus.

Instructions

1. Use an intermittent antiviral medication. The first and most common form of treatment for the HSV-2 form of the virus is the intermittent use of antivirals. Antiviral medications are specifically formulated prescriptions that help stop the growth of the virus. This can help reduce the severity of herpes outbreaks, lower the chances of transmission to others and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. The most common types of antivirals for HSV-2 are acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir.

2. Talk to your doctor about suppressive therapy. Suppressive therapy is another form of treatment for herpes simplex two. Suppressive therapy involves taking a smaller dose of antiviral medication, but on a daily basis. This form of therapy is usually reserved for patients who have more than six outbreaks of genital herpes each year. According to the CDC, when suppression therapy is used, outbreaks can be reduced by up to 80 percent.

3. Take steps to reduce your stress. Herpes spends much of its time in the body in its latent stage. However, anytime the immune system becomes depressed enough for it to break out, the herpes will take advantage of the situation and become active, triggering an outbreak. When your body becomes stressed, your immune system is affected and becomes weaker. This allows the herpes virus to become active. Combining prescription medication with stress-relief techniques may also be a form of treatment for HSV-2. Possible stress-relief techniques include taking a yoga class, learning relaxation breathing exercises and taking steps to reduce the causes of stress in your life.

Tips & Warnings

• HSV-2 can cause serious health problems if not treated correctly. Always see your doctor when you see or experience abnormal body issues, especially when they involve the genitals.

References

• Center for Disease Control: Herpes
• AMWA: How Stress Affects You