Research is being carried out with HSV vaccines, which may be effective both at treating herpes outbreaks and preventing acquisition of infection, but these are still in the development stage. The body's immune system effectively deals with this viral infection in the majority of people, meaning that for many people, the infection is mild or unrecognised. For those who have HSV-2 the number of outbreaks varies from person to person. The average number tends to be 4-5 per year, but outbreaks are more frequent during the first 2 years following initial infection. The first genital herpes outbreak is likely to be the most severe.
Most people find that recurrences become less frequent and less severe with time.
Some people experience ongoing confusion over symptoms and whether or not they are having another herpes outbreak or whether they have a yeast infection or some other skin condition. It is therefore helpful to find a doctor with whom you have a good rapport and can go and discuss these concerns and have a check-up to clarify issues. Alternatively, a visit to a specialist STD clinic may be preferred, where staff are experienced in talking to patients who may have herpes. Although there is not usually an obvious reason for a herpes recurrence, there are certain trigger factors that some people identify as causing an outbreak. A healthy lifestyle which includes good nutrition, stress management, adequate rest and exercise can, therefore, help reduce outbreaks.