Patients suffering frequent symptomatic recurrences should be offered continuous suppressive oral antiviral therapy. The UK guidelines suggest 5 day courses. Frequency of recurrences can then be reassessed. Suppressive treatment can be recommenced in the event of recurrences. In one study, long term treatment with aciclovir in women was shown to reduce subclinical viral shedding.
Further studies are underway.
Use of latex condoms may decrease the risk of infection. The risk is high during a primary attack as the mother has not had time to develop antibody levels. TOP OF PAGE Partner notification and treatment there is no evidence base regarding the role of partner notification partner notification may achieve increased awareness of HSV and identification of asymptomatic individuals. This may reduce further transmission. Partners may become involved in the counselling process.