Sadly, at this present time there is known cure or effective treatment that can entirely eliminate the presence of the herpes virus from the body during the reactivations of the virus. There are however a number of treatments both available on prescription and over the counter which help treat and alleviate the symptoms of the herpes virus more readily, offering the sufferer some measure of relief. Some of the current and most favoured of the prescription antiviral medications are as follows: aciclovir (Zovirax), valaciclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir), and penciclovir.

Aciclovir (Zovirax), was the father of them all, acting as a makeshift prototype for all subsequent brands, though it should be noted that these medicines pose a risk of diarrhea so users may want to reduce the risks of this by using some anti diarrhea tablets. Anti diarrhea tablets should be taken in conjunction with the antiviral medication to ensure optimal results.

Studies into the effectiveness of antiviral creams have been scathing indeed, at best, the evidence for such creams is rather meagre and oral treatments have been equally slated as well, oral medication is usually a redundant course of treatment for the vast majority of non-immunocompromised patients.

Tromantadine is a gel that helps to both safeguard against the development of the virus along with the actual contraction of it by changing the structure of the skin cells, thereby refusing entry to the virus which is able to penetrate through the porous membranes of the skin.

For pregnant women, one of the most effective brands, and indeed most heavily advocated is the Aciclovir antiviral medication, thanks to the excellent results it has enjoyed so far in preventing the transmission of the HSV virus to the child. Whilst more clinical testing is required so as to confirm the safety of this antiviral medication, the results so far are very positive.