Is A Herpes Vaccine Available?

Herpes is an infection that is very common among individuals.  There are two different types of herpes: Herpes Simplex Type 1 (also known as HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Type 2 (more commonly known as HSV-2).

Herpes Simplex Type 1 is characterized by fever blisters or cold sores on either the mouth or the area surrounding the mouth on the face.  It is also referred to as oral herpes.  Most people contract this type earlier in their childhood from either kissing someone who has a cold sore or from other physical contact in a group setting such as school or daycare.

A large majority of people do not have any symptoms.  It is noted that only up to 40% of people have cold sores when they reach their adult years.  These symptoms manifest themselves in the way of a blister or group of blisters on the lips or other areas of the face.

Herpes Simplex Type 2, or genital herpes, is characterized by the same type of blister although this type is located in the genital area.  In instances of genital herpes, there may be additional symptoms such as a fever, flu-like symptoms, and swollen glands.  These symptoms do not appear in everyone though.  It is possible that there will be no symptoms at all.  This type of herpes occurs in one out of five adults.

Most people, however, have herpes simplex type 2 and are not aware of it.  Outbreaks of herpes can occur randomly sometimes within months or maybe even years between episodes.  Prodromal or warning signs are often experienced before an outbreak, which are noted in the form of itching or a burning sensation in the offending area.  Tingling or sometimes pain in the lower back, back of the legs, or buttocks may also occur at this time.

Although clinical studies are being done towards finding a cure or prevention of herpes, there is no herpes vaccine available at the present time.  The only sure way of not contracting genital herpes is abstinence from sexual contact in the genital area.  Currently, there are approximately 40 study sites in the United States and Canada that are working toward a means of prevention by developing and making a herpes vaccine available to extinguish this virus.

If you are involved with someone who has herpes simplex type 1 or herpes simplex type 2 take necessary precautions to guard yourself against this virus.  If you have herpes simplex in either form there are medications that may be able to help you.

Antiviral medications, such as valacyclovir, taken as a 500 mg dose per day can decrease risks to your partner by a substantial degree.  Other medications for oral herpes are available as well that will limit or cause a lessening in the symptoms and will also accelerate the healing process.