For the past eight decades, scientists have been searching for a cure for herpes, a virus that affects millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, like the common cold, there is no known cure for herpes and those infected with the virus are infected for life. All they can do is manage outbreaks when they occur and expect less frequent outbreaks in the future. I know this all too well, as I have had herpes for as long as I can remember.
I'm sure I contracted it when I was a small child, and since then I have spent a lot of time trying to find ways to manage my symptoms. I have tried home remedies, topical creams and ointments, and antiviral medications, but none of them have been able to provide a herpes cure. However, there is hope on the horizon in the form of a new vaccine. Early results suggest that it could be effective in treating herpes, but it will be some time before we know for sure.
Pharmaceutical companies are eager to find a cure for herpes, but they must first overcome an extremely lengthy and expensive research process. Until then, those with herpes can continue to use current treatments to control outbreaks. While there is no cure for herpes, the severity of the virus varies over the lifespan of an infected person.
