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Are scientists working to cure herpes?

PlushCare Content Team
Written by PlushCare Content Team
Stephen Vogel
Medically reviewed by Stephen Vogel, MD
Herpes cure

Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of herpes. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately. 

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) are common, highly contagious viruses. HSV-1 often leads to oral herpes, while HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes. Globally, around 67% of people have HSV-1, and about 20% of sexually active adults aged 14-49 have HSV-2. 

 

Herpes viruses are lifelong conditions that cause recurring outbreaks, during which sores and lesions appear on the mouth and face for oral herpes and the genitals and anus for genital herpes. There is currently no cure for herpes, nor is there a vaccine to protect people from getting it.  

 

Even though there is no cure yet, scientists are actively working on finding one, and in the meantime, antiviral medications can help shorten outbreaks and ameliorate symptoms. Book an appointment with one of our online doctors today to discuss herpes treatment options for HSV-1 or HSV-2. 

What work is being done to cure herpes?

In 2023, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the Strategic Plan for Herpes Simplex Virus Research. This initiative focuses on understanding HSV, accelerating research, finding a cure, and preventing herpes altogether. 

 

One promising lead is at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Washington, where researchers have found early evidence that an experimental gene therapy removed around 90% of the oral herpes virus and 97% of the genital herpes virus in test subjects—and it also reduced virus transmissibility. This therapy uses gene-editing molecules to target and remove the virus in the body. This study is particular to reducing HSV-1, but scientists are hopeful it could be expanded to HSV-2 as well. 

 

This research is still in the pre-clinical stage, with testing being conducted on rodents and not yet on humans. The researchers at Fred Hutch Cancer Center are working to comply with federal regulations before they start clinical trials with human participants. However, even though it may be several years before this gene therapy is proven effective and released, these early results are promising for people living with HSV. 

 

In addition to the study at Fred Hutch, there are several other preclinical and early clinical studies either completed or in the works, and scientists in the U.S. continue to lobby for more government funding so that even more research can be conducted. 

What current treatments are there for herpes?

Even though there is no cure yet for herpes, your doctor can help you manage your outbreaks so that they are shorter and less severe. There are prescription antiviral medications that can shorten and reduce the severity of outbreaks. Our doctors can prescribe one of these medications (acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir) if you have a new or existing herpes infection. If you are unsure if you have herpes but suspect you have been exposed, we can also order swab or blood tests at a lab near you. 

 

A few at-home treatments can also help soothe outbreak symptoms, including cool compresses. Eating popsicles or drinking cold beverages can also help with oral herpes, and for genital herpes, you can sit in a warm bath for some relief. Over-the-counter pain medications, including NSAIDs, can also be helpful, but you should always talk to your doctor before taking any medicine. 

 

In order to lower the risk of transmitting HSV-1 or HSV-2 to others, you can practice good hygiene and safe sex, including using condoms and dental dams. 

Is a vaccine to prevent herpes on the way, too?

There are currently no FDA-approved vaccines or other treatments to prevent HSV-1 and HSV-2. The creation of vaccines that are prophylactic (preventative) and therapeutic (to lessen symptoms in people with the virus already) is therefore a top priority for the NIH and other organizations and scientists around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting immunization efforts taught the medical community a lot about how to widely administer vaccinations, which will help ensure that any potential treatments are available for all communities and especially populations with the highest need, including pregnant or immunocompromised people. 

3 simple steps to discuss Herpes

Online Herpes Appointment
Step 1

Book a herpes treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

How It Works Step 2B
Step 2

Talk to your clinician regarding your herpes symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up prescription for herpes treatment.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy. 

How pricing works

To request herpes treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits

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Paying without insurance

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Visits

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Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Herpes simplex virus. Accessed on October 16, 2024, at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus. 
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Accessed on October 16, 2024, at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22855-herpes-simplex. 
  3. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About genital herpes. Accessed on October 16, 2024, at https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/about/index.html. 
  4. National Institutes of Health. NIH Strategic Plan for HSV Research. Accessed on October 17, 2024, at https://www.niaid.nih.gov/sites/default/files/nih-herpes-simplex-strategic-plan-2023.pdf. 
  5. Fred Hutch. Herpes cure with gene editing makes progress in laboratory studies. Accessed on October 18, 2024, at https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/releases/2024/05/herpes-cure-with-gene-editing-makes-progress-in-laboratory-studi.html. 
  6. American Sexual Health Association. Diagnosing herpes. Accessed on October 17, 2024, at https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/herpes-testing/. 
  7. MedlinePlus. Herpes (HSV) test. Accessed on October 17, 2024, at https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/herpes-hsv-test/. 



PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.