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Valacyclovir has been proven to be an effective treatment for the herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), or the virus more commonly known as genital herpes. (HSV1 is the outbreak of cold sores or fever blisters.) Genital herpes, HSV2, can be effectively treated with a one-day course of the drug, valacyclovir, brand name Valtrex, and offers new hope to those suffering from the virus. This virus hides in the nervous system and is a lifelong virus.

A study done by Dr. Tyring and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston investigated the effects of valacyclovir by administering it twice daily and having the patients keep a diary of their symptoms. Genital swabbing for viral cultures was also performed but only after 14 days following the initial treatment. 90 patients, or 78 %, had a recurrence or the signs of initial symptoms while only 5% developed a second recurrence. Duration of genital sores and pain lasted, on average, 5 days and 3 days. Viral shedding, which is when the virus is detectable in the genital area and when the virus is highly contagious, was detected in 60 patients and lasted on average 2-3 days. Of these 60 patients, only 23% had an additional episode of shedding after the initial sore was healed. This second episode usually lasted 2 days.

The researchers thus concluded that the one-day course is as effective as the three-five-day course treatment and may be more convenient for treating recurrent genital herpes.

[Source: Reuters]