Results from early, small-scale testing of a promising new vaccine showed it to be safe and capable of stimulating an immune response in both infected and uninfected study participants. Other scientists have developed an experimental test that can be used to screen blood samples for evidence of herpes infection and can accurately distinguish type 1 from type 2 infections. Rapid diagnostic tests have been developed that can detect active virus in a pregnant woman at the time of delivery. These tests may be able to identify exposed infants who should be observed carefully or receive immediate care. For most people, genital herpes rarely progresses to serious consequences, except in newborns or in people with suppressed immune systems such as AIDS patients.
Recurrences can, however, be distressing, inconvenient, and sometimes painful.
Concern about transmitting the disease to others and disruption of sexual relations during active outbreaks of the sores can affect personal relationships. Although the fact that genital herpes can be a chronic condition may at first sound frightening, it is reassuring to know that with proper counseling, treatment, and preventive measures, the disease can be coped with and managed effectively.