Will scientists ever find a cure for genital herpes?

For most people, herpes is no big deal, health-wise: studies have found that most people with HSV-2 never get symptoms and never know they have it. But while it is possible to ... "Herpes is one of those virus that's just amazing at evading our immune system," he told Popular Science. read more

But scientists now believe they can stop herpes from using its slickest skills. In a study published Thursday in PLOS Pathogens, researchers describe a new vaccine designed to hit herpes right where it hurts. According to the study authors and other experts, this could be the closest we've ever come to eliminating the virus in the human population. read more

There is no cure for genital herpes. Once a person is infected, HSV hides out in nerve cells and reactivates periodically -- sometimes causing symptoms, sometimes not. Currently, three medications can treat symptoms, and -- if taken daily -- suppress new symptom outbreaks: acyclovir (brand name Zovirax), famciclovir and valacyclovir . read more

HSV-1 (oral herpes) causes infection of the genitals much the same as HSV-2, but HSV-2 infection in and around the mouth is relatively unusual, and mild. There is a significant"home court advantage" for HSV-2, but not HSV-1. read more