Why is there no Cure for Herpes

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Herpes is a common condition that causes painful and uncomfortable sores on the body. Although many people associate herpes with the genital area, sores can occur on the mouth and in many other places all over the body. According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN, it affects almost 20% of people over the age of five. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 creates cold sores, while HSV-2 is the cause of genital herpes. Unfortunately there is no current cure for herpes.
There are various reasons why there is no definitive treatment for this common condition despite much research. Even though people go through symptom-free periods, the virus still remains in their system. Luc English, the leader of a five year study on treatments for herpes published in Nature Immunology, says that the virus is difficult to kill because of its ability to hide. Attempts by the immune system to combat it are blocked. When it is latent, neither drugs nor the immune system can see it, thus they cannot eradicate it from the body.
The viruses of herpes travel to the sensory nerve bodies to become latent. They continue to replicate, making it difficult to create a cure for them. The new virus particles go along the neuron axons to be released from the nerve terminals of the skin. During active infections some of the virus will become active to work, but some will still remain hidden.
Different triggers may cause an outbreak of herpes. As time goes on, the severity and frequency of the outbreaks typically get better, however they still may transmit the disease to others. Even without symptoms or an outbreak in years, individuals are not cured and could potentially face another outbreak. The virus remains in the body for life.
Although there is no cure for herpes, there are medications that can aid in the symptoms. The antiviral drugs acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can be utilized for outbreaks. Some drugs are taken in pill form whereas others are delivered topically. The website of Family Doctor lists many other techniques that can keep you comfortable such as utilizing painkiller medications, taking lukewarm baths and wearing clothing that is loose-fitting.
Although there is no cure for herpes now, there may be one in the future. Bryan Cullen, the director at the Center for Virology at Duke University, hopes that one may even come within a decade. With more funding and research, a cure may come for this significant condition.