How to Treat or Cure Herpes

Herpes cannot be cured, because the virus stays in the body, but its symptoms can be controlled well.

Medical treatment

• Antiviral tablets (aciclovir, valaciclovir or famciclovir) shorten episodes and ease symptoms. Start early, ideally within 72 hours.
• Suppressive therapy: daily tablets for people with frequent recurrences, to reduce outbreaks and lower the risk of passing the virus on.
• Pain relief: paracetamol or ibuprofen if safe for you.
• Shingles: antivirals should begin as soon as possible. Nerve pain may need extra medicines from your doctor.
• Severe or complicated cases: hospital treatment with intravenous antivirals, for example for eye involvement, newborns, brain infection or weak immunity.

Supportive care

• Cool compresses, loose clothing, rest and fluids
• Keeping sores clean and dry
• Avoiding contact until healed

Complementary care

Ayurveda, yoga and stress management may support comfort and resilience. They are adjuncts, and the evidence that they stop the virus is limited.

Seek urgent care for

• Any eye pain, redness or vision change with a rash
• A newborn with blisters, fever or poor feeding
• A spreading rash with high fever, confusion or severe headache
• Herpes while pregnant, or with weak immunity

Key point

You cannot clear the virus, but timely antivirals make episodes shorter, milder and less contagious.

Before your appointment

Note when the first symptoms began, where the sores or rash are, and any fever or pain. List past episodes, triggers, partners who should know, and any pregnancy. Bring your medicines and past reports, including HIV or STI tests. Ask about antiviral options, how to protect others and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.