Highlights
Herpes Simplex Virus Trends
According to a 2006 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the prevalence of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is declining. Researchers compared U.S. survey data taken from 1988 - 1994 and 1999 - 2004. The results showed that between 1988 and 2004:
- The prevalence of HSV-1, the main cause of oral herpes, decreased by 6.9%
- The prevalence of HSV-2, the main cause of genital herpes, decreased by 19%
Genital Herpes Trends
HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes. HSV-1 is the main cause of oral herpes (cold sores), but it also causes a small percentage of genital herpes infections. The same JAMA study found that while the prevalence of HSV-1 is decreasing, this virus may be causing more cases of genital herpes. The percentage of people who had genital herpes and tested positive for HSV-1, but not HSV-2, increased by 350% from 1988 - 2004.
Condom Use and Genital Herpes Prevention
Consistent use of condoms can significantly reduce the risk of genital herpes infection, according to a 2005 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Treatment for Pregnant Women with Herpes
Pregnant women who have active genital herpes at the time of delivery can pass the virus on to their infants. To help protect the baby, a Caesarean section is usually recommended. New studies show that taking the anti-viral drug valacyclovir (Valtrex) during the last trimester of pregnancy may prevent herpes outbreaks and viral shedding, and help women avoid a Caesarean section. Other studies have found that a similar drug, acyclovir (Zovirax), also works well for pregnant women infected with herpes.
Famvir Approved as Single-Day Drug Treatment
In 2006, famiciclovir (Famvir) was approved as the first one-day treatment for healthy people with recurrent genital herpes. The FDA also approved famiciclovir as a single-dose treatment for oral herpes.
