"So it helps the body make antibodies that can attack the virus, but then it also keeps the virus from hiding from those antibodies," he said. The group tested the vaccine in two animals infected with HSV-2, or genital herpes: macaque monkeys and guinea pigs. 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
The group tested the vaccine in two animals infected with HSV-2, or genital herpes: macaque monkeys and guinea pigs. The monkeys were there for obvious reasons—their immune systems function nearly identically to ours, so if the vaccine works on them, it should work on us. read more
Herpes simplex virus 2 causes genital herpes, characterized by sores in and around the genital area. Both viruses can infect men and women. There is no irrefutable evidence that shows men or women to be more vulnerable or better at coping with the symptoms. read more
According to the World Health Organization, over two thirds of the global population have HSV-1 (commonly known as oral herpes or cold sores) and more than 10 percent have HSV-2, or genital herpes. read more