Until medical science comes up with a cure, the virus is forever. After the initial infection, herpes remains in nerve cells, and may periodically reactivate to cause an outbreak. It sounds bleak, but while there isn’t a cure, there are treatments that can prevent or shorten outbreaks and may make a big difference in your life. The mainstay of treatment is antiviral drugs. As of 2005, Acyclovir (Zovirax, generics), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), or Famcyclovir (Famvir) are FDA approved for genital herpes. These medications are all very similar and side effects are usually minor, if any.Acyclovir was the first drug developed for herpes. Since there are generics available, this is the least expensive choice. Initially, it was inconvenient, requiring five doses a day. Newer dosing schedules are more convenient, as are those of Famcyclovir and Valacyclovir. All three are used for treating episodes of herpes, or suppressive therapy.Suppressive therapy means taking the drug continuously to decrease or avoid outbreaks. Such therapy will reduce how often outbreaks occur by 70 to 80 percent. Infected individuals should make a decision about suppressive therapy with their doctor, based on how frequent the episodes are, how severe the episodes are, the person’s other health conditions, and whether the person’s partner is infected.Creams and ointments are not considered helpful for genital herpes, and medical authorities don’t recommend them.