There are three antiviral drugs that have proved capable of minimizing the severity of outbreaks. Curtis Phinney, a federal research scientist, told the Times he had controlled his outbreaks with such suppressive therapy. He added that being open with women he was dating about his condition actually helped him in his search for an appropriate mate. HSV-1, with oral sex being a major means of transmission, Dr. Handsfield said. The symptoms of the disease vary widely, one reason why many people do not realize the prevalence of genital herpes.
Some people experience no symptoms whatsoever.
In other cases, the signs of an outbreak go almost unnoticed minor itching, a slight rash or a tingling sensation that the person has never associated with herpes. Between outbreaks, the virus lurks hidden somewhere in the body s tissues - one reason why no way of killing the virus has been found. According to the Times, some health care professionals think the virus is transmitted only from open lesions only present during outbreaks. But the fact is that the virus can be present on the skin or mucous membranes during asymptomatic or mild outbreaks and lead to infection of a partner. Health experts say that while condoms offer substantial protection they are not anywhere near 100 percent effective.