Herpes simplex primary prevention

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Overview

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States is currently in the midst of phase III trials for a vaccine against HSV-2, called Herpevac.[1] The vaccine has only been shown to be effective for women who have never been exposed to HSV-1. Overall, the vaccine is approximately 48% effective in preventing HSV-2 seropositivity and about 78% effective in preventing symptomatic HSV-2.[1] During initial trials, the vaccine did not exhibit any evidence of the prevention of HSV-2 in males.[1] Additionally, the vaccine only reduced the acquisition of HSV-2 and symptoms due to newly acquired HSV-2 among women who did not have HSV-2 infection at the time they got the vaccine.[1] Because about 20% of people in the United States have HSV-2 infection, this further reduces the population for whom this vaccine might be appropriate.[1]

Primary Prevention

  • The most effective way to avoid the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term and mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
  • Genital ulcer diseases can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes.
  • People with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with uninfected partners when lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms he or she can still infect sex partners.
  • Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected and they should use condoms to reduce the risk of infection.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Herpevac Trial for Women". Retrieved 2008-02-25.

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