Which statement describes the effect of antiviral therapy for genital herpes?

• A. Antiviral therapy cures herpes
• B. Antiviral therapy reduces symptoms but does not cure
• C. Antiviral therapy worsens episodes
• D. Antiviral therapy is unnecessary

Answer: (B)

Antiviral therapy for genital herpes works by blocking viral replication during outbreaks, using medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. This speeds healing of lesions, reduces pain, and lowers the amount of virus shed, which can decrease transmission risk. But it does not eradicate the virus from the body. HSV stays latent in nerve ganglia and can reactivate later, causing recurrent outbreaks even with ongoing treatment. So the therapy aims to lessen symptoms and shedding, not to cure the infection. For people with frequent recurrences, suppressive therapy can further reduce outbreaks and shedding, though a cure remains unavailable.