home
RSS
February 25th, 2010
02:33 PM ET

When will we see a herpes cure?

As a feature of CNNhealth.com, our team of expert doctors will answer readers' questions. Here's a question for Dr. Gupta.

From Lloyd Bartley, Bowling Green, Kentucky

“How close are scientists to developing a cure for herpes, figuratively speaking will we be seeing a break through in 10, 20, or even 30 years?”

Answer:

Well, Lloyd, there is good news and bad news on the herpes front. The good news: Researchers have made serious strides and now better understand the mechanism behind herpes outbreaks. The bad news: There is very little funding for that research.

After receiving your question we reached out to a leading herpes expert, Bryan Cullen, the director at the Center for Virology at Duke University. Cullen is hopeful that a cure for herpes could come within 10 years, once funding hurdles are crossed.

Nearly one in five people over age 12 in the U.S. is affected by herpes. It is caused by a virus - either the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both strains can cause genital herpes, but HSV-1 usually infects the mouth and produces cold sores.

Despite funding challenges, Cullen and his team are inching closer to a cure. They conducted a study recently that identified the pathway herpes takes as it infects. They now know how herpes embeds itself into the cells and how it eludes treatment. Now that they have honed in on the physiology of the disease - and its triggers - researchers believe they are steps closer to creating drugs that could cure herpes.

While we wait for a cure, there are drugs out there that can at least suppress herpes. Three antiviral drugs: acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are commonly recommended to quell outbreaks. A physician might recommend taking these drugs when an outbreak occurs to quiet symptoms; or taking them continuously to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak.

And of course the best way to avoid spreading herpes is to abstain from sex, but if you are sexually active, engage in safe-sex practices such as using condoms.

Editor's Note: Medical news is a popular but sensitive subject rooted in science. We receive many comments on this blog each day; not all are posted. Our hope is that much will be learned from the sharing of useful information and personal experiences based on the medical and health topics of the blog. We encourage you to focus your comments on those medical and health topics and we appreciate your input. Thank you for your participation.
Filed under: Expert Q&A • Sex • Virus
Next entry »
« Previous entry
soundoff (8,773 Responses)
  1. KlioMile

    free viagras cheap generic viagra on line what is generic viagra? viagra generic 100mg cheap viagra for 30 years old buy viagra with prescription overnight delivery for viagra can you buy viagra in mexico without perscription what\'s better viagra cialis levitra viking sun viagra viagra tablet viagra cipla will viagra make you last longer generic viagra 50mg coupons viagra

    January 13, 2021 at 21:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. zortilonrel

    I am glad for commenting to let you understand what a helpful encounter my wife's princess developed viewing your web page. She even learned a lot of issues, not to mention how it is like to have a great teaching nature to make the mediocre ones just comprehend specified multifaceted issues. You truly surpassed visitors' expectations. Thanks for displaying those interesting, safe, revealing and as well as fun tips about the topic to Evelyn.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 13, 2021 at 23:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. zortilonrel

    Hello my loved one! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all significant infos. I would like to look more posts like this.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 00:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. zortilonrel

    I like this weblog very much so much fantastic info .

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 02:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. bola online

    Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading?

    I'm trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.

    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    January 14, 2021 at 08:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. teacher stickers

    Hey there, You have done an incredible job. I'll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends.

    I'm confident they'll be benefited from this site.

    Also visit my web site – teacher stickers

    January 14, 2021 at 10:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Frieda Bandy

    You should be a part of a contest for one of the finest
    websites online. I will recommend this site!

    Also visit my blog Jerilyn

    January 14, 2021 at 11:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Alexander Bunton

    Hey there! I realize this is kind of off-topic however I had to ask.
    Does managing a well-established website such as yours take a large amount of work?
    I am brand new to operating a blog however I do write in my journal every day.
    I'd like to start a blog so I will be able to share my personal experience and views online.
    Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for brand new aspiring blog owners.

    Appreciate it!

    Review my page ... Rozella

    January 14, 2021 at 11:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. zortilo nrel

    I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site 🙂

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 14:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. zortilonrel

    I was suggested this website by my cousin. I am now not certain whether this post is written via him as nobody else recognize such distinct about my problem. You're wonderful! Thanks!

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 18:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. zortilonrel

    Valuable info. Lucky me I found your website unintentionally, and I'm stunned why this accident did not came about earlier! I bookmarked it.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 18:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. zortilonrel

    Thank you for every other great post. Where else may just anybody get that type of information in such a perfect way of writing? I've a presentation next week, and I'm at the look for such information.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 19:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. zortilo nrel

    Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my website =). We could have a link exchange contract between us!

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 20:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. zortilo nrel

    Greetings! Very helpful advice on this article! It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 20:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. zortilonrel

    I have been browsing on-line greater than 3 hours these days, yet I never found any fascinating article like yours. It is beautiful worth sufficient for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made excellent content as you probably did, the web will likely be much more useful than ever before.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 21:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. zortilonrel

    I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I'm not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are amazing! Thanks!

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 22:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. zortilonrel

    Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group? There's a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thanks

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 22:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. zortilo nrel

    You made some nice points there. I did a search on the subject and found most individuals will consent with your site.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 23:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. zortilonrel

    I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I'll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future. Cheers

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 23:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. zortilonrel

    What i don't realize is actually how you are not actually much more well-liked than you might be now. You are so intelligent. You know thus considerably on the subject of this topic, produced me in my opinion believe it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men are not fascinated until it is something to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. At all times deal with it up!

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 14, 2021 at 23:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. zortilonrel

    Woah! I'm really loving the template/theme of this site. It's simple, yet effective. A lot of times it's very hard to get that "perfect balance" between usability and visual appeal. I must say you have done a awesome job with this. In addition, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Internet explorer. Excellent Blog!

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 00:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. zortilo nrel

    After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 01:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. zortilo nrel

    I truly appreciate this post. I?¦ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 01:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. zortilonrel

    I like this blog so much, bookmarked. "I don't care what is written about me so long as it isn't true." by Dorothy Parker.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 01:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. zortilo nrel

    Way cool, some valid points! I appreciate you making this article available, the rest of the site is also high quality. Have a fun.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 02:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. zortilo nrel

    Thanks for helping out, good information.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 02:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. zortilo nrel

    Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 02:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. notebook ring binder

    Unquestionably believe that that you just said.
    Your favorite reason appeared to be on the web the easiest factor to
    take into accout of. I have faith that to you personally, I definitely get irked while other individuals consider worries they just usually do not
    realize about. You managed hitting the nail upon the top
    plus outlined out the full thing without any need unwanted effect ,
    other folks can have a signal. Will likely be again to
    obtain additional. Thank you

    Also visit my page ... notebook ring binder

    January 15, 2021 at 04:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. zortilonrel

    Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 04:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. zortilonrel

    Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, thankyou. "Management is nothing more than motivating other people." by Lee Iacocca.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 04:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. zortilo nrel

    Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too magnificent. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great website.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 04:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. zortilonrel

    Thank you a lot for providing individuals with a very spectacular possiblity to read critical reviews from this site. It is always so terrific and jam-packed with a great time for me personally and my office colleagues to search your site no less than three times weekly to read the new things you have. Not to mention, I'm just at all times impressed considering the terrific techniques you serve. Certain 2 ideas in this post are clearly the most beneficial I have ever had.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 15, 2021 at 05:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. NlbxZisse

    viagra versus generic viagra buy viagra brisbane average age of viagra users buy viagra professional australia cheap viagra canada trial size viagra overnight viagra for sale accepts mastercard viagra super active online viagra for sale in liverpool viagra online canada viagra no prescription canada viagra dapoxetine viagra oklahoma city grapefruit juice with viagra viagra in sydney nsw

    January 15, 2021 at 05:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. JvcxCrulk

    buy viagra from germany non generic viagra without a prescription viagra best price viagra trial sample viagra usa viagra levitra how works canadian viagra pharmacy buy viagra with dapoxetine viagra for men buying viagra at low cost buy brand viagra in canada best viagra online australianviagraonline best prices on viagra purchase viagra online nz

    January 15, 2021 at 08:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. FgnhZisse

    buy viagra cheap usa generic viagra thru paypal viagra free delivery uk viagra 500mg viagra best prices viagra uk buy viagra online australian no prescription purchasing generic viagra using a paypal account viagra no prescription generic viagra 100 lowest prices on viagra super force 100mg/60mg pills overnight viagra price of viagra buy good cheap viagra buy viagra cheap

    January 15, 2021 at 10:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. https://www.konilla777.com/

    It's difficult to find educated people on this topic, however,
    you sound like you know what you're talking about! Thanks

    January 15, 2021 at 17:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Sharon Nate

    So some days ago I was on the internet and found a lady complaining of recurrent herpes symptoms and how this has damaged her relationships, also on the post I read about how many people say that herpes has come to stay forever and that there will never be a cure for it. The truth is I am a living proof that there are remedies to herpes, I am 42 this year and I had herpes before and it all went away in 2017 after weeks of having to use a certain herbs medication from an online store https://naturalherbsremedystore.square.site email ( dr.osojo@gmail.com ), my doctor certified the medicine as good to digest and just not less than 3 weeks of using the herbs. I realised the recurrence symptoms were gone and medical results were carried out and confirmed that I no longer had it.
    So to many people who think this particular herbal remedy is fake or it isn't certified, that is not true, I will urge one of you to try it out and let me know the result too.  https://drosojoherbalcure.wixsite.com/ofalldisease   

    January 15, 2021 at 17:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. 검증사이트

    Hi there, its fastidious article on the topic of media print, we all know media is a enormous
    source of facts.

    January 15, 2021 at 22:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. DRUNKEN

    Superb, what a weblog it is! This web site gives helpful data
    to us, keep it up.

    January 15, 2021 at 23:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. LucianoKPano

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that
    I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I'll
    be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

    Here is my page ... LucianoKPano

    January 16, 2021 at 01:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. sandra ruiz

    Powerful Herbal treatment is 100% guarantee for HSV cure, the reason why most people are finding it difficult to cure HSV 1 or 2 is because they believe on medical report, drugs and medical treatments which is not helpful to cure HSV and hasnít proved any sign of helping. Natural roots/herbs are the best remedy which can easily eradicate herpes forever. I never believed it until I was helped and cured of my 16 months genital herpes with natural herbal medicines from Dr Aza. Where other medical prescribed drugs and treatments failed, Dr Aza natural herbs helped saved me from Genital herpes permanently and i am so grateful for this. You can also get help from this great and powerful African Herbalist Dr Aza or you can also contact Dr Aza through his email drazaherbalcenter@gmail.com   or WhatsApp him via:  +1(315) 795 1518 .       

    January 16, 2021 at 02:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. cat stickers

    Good means of telling, and pleasant paragraph to get information concerning
    my presentation focus, which i am going to convey in university.

    my webpage; cat stickers

    January 16, 2021 at 03:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. reminder stickers

    I truly love your site.. Excellent colors & theme.
    Would you create this unique site yourself? Please reply back as I'm looking to create my personal site and would like
    to know the place you got this from or exactly what the theme is referred to as.
    Appreciate it!

    Also visit my webpage :: reminder stickers

    January 16, 2021 at 07:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Rashida Pazmino

    Is there automatic and legitimate copyright for the content on a site?

    https://bookeworm94.tumblr.com/

    January 16, 2021 at 13:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. Perry Rowsell

    Is it possible to install multiple joomla site on one wamp server?

    https://ask-cloudkicker.tumblr.com/

    January 16, 2021 at 13:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Rosana moore

    I was diagnose with HSV-2 3years ago and i met a doctor he told me there is no cure i lived a life of frustration and depression for 4years. luckily few weeks ago i was recommended to Dr omuwa for natural herbal treatment, I contacted him through his email and he prepare the herbs and sent it to me. after using the herbal treatment for 3 weeks, i got 100% cured, I am so happy. I shared this post because it's part of my life experience, in case anyone need speedy help about this herbal cure email Dr Omuwa via, dromuwaherbalhome@gmail.com or add him on WhatsApp: +2349027621091.

    January 16, 2021 at 19:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. ufabet

    สมัคร UFabet Auto ระบบสมัครสมาชิก
    ยูฟ่าเบท ออโต้ ทำได้กล้วยๆด้วยตัวคุณเองไม่ต้องคอยเจ้าหน้าที่ กรอกข้อมูล สมัครยูฟ่าออโต้ เสร็จรับยูสเซอร์ พร้อมเข้าเล่นได้ในทันที เราเป็นเว็บไชต์พนันออนไลน์ มาตราฐานสูงสุด ยูฟ่าเบท ตั้งใจพัฒนาทุกรูปแบบ เพื่อความชอบใจสูงสุดของสมาชิก เว็บพนันบอลออนไลน์ ที่เปิดราคาบอลดีที่สุด ยูฟ่าเบท มอบคำแนะนำเหมาะสมที่สุดให้กับสมาชิก บอล 4 ตังค์ คืนค่าคอมมิชชั่น 0.5 เปอร์เซนต์ ทุกยอดการเล่น คือสิ่งที่เรามอบให้กับลูกค้าทุกคนทำให้พวกเราเป็นเว็บพนันบอลออนไลน์ที่เยี่ยมที่สุดขณะนี้

    January 16, 2021 at 22:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. kiting

    Hі, і think that i noticed you viѕited my blog thus i got here
    to return thе choose?.I'm trying to to find
    things to enhаnce my site!I gսess its adequatｅ to use
    a feѡ ⲟf your concepts!!

    January 17, 2021 at 02:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. Elenor Lear

    Local Law 196 is a NYC DOB law that requires workers and supervisors at most NYC construction sites to obtain a SST card by completing specific courses through a NYC DOB approved training provider. Able Safety offers multiple packages to complete this training at great low prices. All our SST classes can be completed entirely online from any device (phone, tablet, pc/mac). The NYC DOB’s SST compliance deadline was originally set for September 1st 2020. The deadline has since been extended to March 1st 2021. By this date you will need the following to be allowed to work on most construction sites in NYC.

    https://www.ablesafety.com/

    January 17, 2021 at 10:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. froleprotrem

    Hiya, I'm really glad I have found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and internet and this is actually frustrating. A good blog with interesting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this web-site, I'll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    January 17, 2021 at 14:33 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163

Leave a Reply to mechelle necy

Click here to cancel reply.

 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Next entry »
« Previous entry
Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.