Will Acyclovir Prevent Spreading Herpes?

James H. Sterling
James H. Sterling
• • 7 min read

Acyclovir Is Also Sometimes Used to Prevent Outbreaks of Genital Herpes in People Who Are Infected with the Virus. Acyclovir Is in a Class of Antiviral...

Will Acyclovir Prevent Spreading Herpes?

Acyclovir is also sometimes used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes in people who are infected with the virus. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications

antiviral medications
Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used for treating viral infections. Most antivirals target specific viruses, while a broad-spectrum antiviral is effective against a wide range of viruses. Unlike most antibiotics, antiviral drugs do not destroy their target pathogen; instead they inhibit its development.
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called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body.

Does taking herpes medication prevent spreading?

Powerful anti-herpes drugs -- acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) -- prevent most outbreaks in most people. But they don't eliminate virus hiding in nerve cells. Recent clinical trials failed to show that herpes drugs could prevent herpes transmission.

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Are you contagious while taking acyclovir?

If you are taking acyclovir for genital herpes, it will not prevent you from passing the infection to your sexual partner. Sexual intercourse should be avoided while you have lesions or the first symptoms of an outbreak. Even if you have no symptoms, the transmission of genital herpes may still occur.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist
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James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.