Herpes treatment can come in the form of antiviral drugs which help reduce outbreaks and lessen duration of herpes symptoms. These are commonly taken orally but can be done with injections as well. These drugs reduce the growth of herpes virus and hasten the healing time of herpes. These drugs are prescribed by a doctor. After the initial diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe antiviral therapy that would last 7-10 days. These antiviral drugs prevent spread of the virus for the next 10 days, and if the symptoms are still persistent, then use of these antiviral drugs is done for longer durations until the symptoms are gone.

The antiviral drugs commonly used are acyclovir (Zovirax) which is generic and is less expensive than other brands. It is one of the oldest antiviral drugs. It was initially used as an ointment. It is the only antiviral drug that can be used as injection for herpes treatment.

It is also available in tablets or pills. The use of acyclovir is safe for as long as 6 years based on research studies. The other antiviral drugs are famiciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are considered as effective to prevent herpes symptoms and breakouts.

For recurrent outbreaks of herpes, antiviral drugs are prescribed for 5-7 days until symptoms are gone. For those who have more frequent outbreaks, antiviral drugs are need to taken every day to help reduce the breakouts. There is about 70%-80% reduction of outbreaks when the antiviral drugs are taken every day. However, those with kidney problems are prescribed lower dosage of antiviral drugs especially if acyclovir is used as treatment for the herpes.

There may be some side effects when antiviral drugs are used. Some of these are headaches, nausea and vomiting, joint pain, decreased appetite, abdominal pain and in some rare cases constipation or diarrhea. However, these side effects are reduced when the doctor prescribes the right amount of dosage and frequency of use of the antivirus.

Those who want to avail of the antiviral drugs therapy are given two options by the doctor. The doctor may advice intermittent treatment by giving antiviral drugs to be taken by the patient for 2-5 days. This would be good to prevent herpes symptoms and breakouts until they disappear. The other option is suppressive treatment which is taking antiviral drugs regularly for longer periods of time to reduce breakouts of herpes. This form of treatment also helps in prevention of spreading the virus to others who may come in contact with the patient.

The suppressive treatment may take as long as many years so it is recommended that the patient should be checked by the doctor at least once a year to keep track of the treatment.

Jonathan Pitts

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