●Prevention of genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections can avert significant morbidity associated with primary infection and the ongoing discomfort and psychological distress that may occur with recurrences.
●Counseling at the time of diagnosis of HSV infection is important to educate the patient regarding the high probability of recurrence and the prevention of transmission to sexual partner(s). The diagnosis of genital HSV infection can be associated with significant psychological stress.
●Patients should be counseled that viral shedding, which can occur during asymptomatic periods, can lead to transmission.
●Consistent condom use has been associated with a decline in transmission of genital HSV infection, especially from men to women.
●For most patients with genital HSV-2 infection and an uninfected partner, we administer chronic suppressive therapy to reduce clinical recurrences and viral transmission. Valacyclovir (500 mg daily) is the best-studied regimen for this specific indication and offers the convenience of once-daily dosing. However, acyclovir may be a reasonable and more affordable alternative.
●Patients with genital herpes are at risk for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and should be screened.
●No effective prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine currently exists, although vaccine development is ongoing.
