The blisters last for about a week, and then dry up. They may return several times a year. Treatment includes a medication called acyclovir, that stops the virus from reproducing itself. It does not rid the body of the infection. Treatment may help shorten the length of an outbreak.
Some people take the medicine daily to stop outbreaks from recurring.
Depending on the location of the sores on the genitals, herpes may be prevented by using a latex or plastic condom every time you have sex. If you have a history of herpes and are planning on getting pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider. Herpes can be passed on to a baby during birth, if the virus is present during a vaginal delivery. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice.