If secondary infection of the skin lesions occur, a topical antibiotic ointment can be used. Oral antibiotics are sometimes necessary. Acyclovir-resistant strains of herpes virus are appearing rapidly. If symptoms are not rapidly relieved by acyclovir, further evaluation by a physician is indicated. Once infected, the virus stays in the body for the rest of a person's life.
Some people never have another episode, and some have frequent recurrences throughout the year.
Subsequent infections tend to occur after sexual intercourse, exposure to the sun, and after stressful events. In individuals with normal immune systems, genital herpes remains a localized and bothersome infection but seldom becomes a life-threatening infection. Spread of the virus to other organs of the body in immunosuppressed people. Calling Your Health Care Provider Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any symptoms suggestive of genital herpes. Call your health care provider if fever , headache , vomiting , or widespread symptoms develop during or after an outbreak of herpes.