What Is Herpes?

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Once infected, herpes remains in the body for life. Symptoms include painful blisters on the mouth, face, or genital area. A person with the herpes virus may not know they are infected because they show no signs or symptoms.

There is no cure for herpes; however, antiviral medications can reduce the number of breakouts and the duration of breakouts. Common drug classes used to treat herpes are herpes virus nucleoside analogue / corticosteroid combinations, herpes virus nucleoside analogues, and nucleoside analogue antivirals.