Herpes Impact on Your Body
Outbreak Duration: If you’ve recently been diagnosed with genital herpes, you may be experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, such as sores, blisters, or ulcers. These lesions will heal on their own in 2 — 4 weeks.
Recurrence: Subsequent episodes, if they occur, are usually milder and shorter in duration than first episodes, due to your body’s production of virus-fighting antibodies. Genital herpes outbreaks occur, on average, four times per year.
Treatment: Prescription antiviral medications taken at the first signs of an outbreak can shorten the length of the outbreak or -- if taken early enough -- can even prevent outbreaks from occurring. Some people choose to take antiviral medication daily, a practice called suppressive therapy, which can reduce the number of outbreaks by at least 75% or even prevent them completely. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Preventing Transmission: To minimize the risk of transmitting genital herpes to a partner, abstain from sexual activity during outbreaks, take a daily antiviral medication, and always use a condom.