For years, researchers have been working on a vaccine to prevent genital herpes, a prevalent STD that is currently incurable. But the news on the vaccine front has been less than positive lately, as results of a recent 20-month study showed little progress toward genital herpes prevention. In light of this development (or lack thereof), researchers are now reevaluating their approach to the herpes vaccine.
The introduction of an effective vaccine may help spare countless people the discomfort associated with common genital herpes symptoms, which include genital sores, fever, and fatigue. Though genital herpes symptoms can vary in severity, extreme cases often call for long-term medical intervention. And while suppressive therapy isn’t always necessary, many people who have the disease require occasional treatment for their genital herpes symptoms.
If you think you may be experiencing genital herpes symptoms, the only way to know for sure is to get an STD test. STD testing for genital herpes is quick and non-invasive, and following a positive genital herpes test, treatment can be given to alleviate symptoms of genital herpes.
Now if your genital herpes test comes back negative, you’ll want to take steps to avoid genital herpes, symptoms and all. But until an effective vaccine is discovered, it’s on you to engage in safe sexual practices to prevent infection.
