The use of antiviral medications in the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections of women

Over the last decades, major basic and clinical research in the field of antiviral therapy has allowed the health care provider to treat and prevent the morbidity and mortality of many viral infections. The health care provider is faced with challengers in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of viral STDs in women. A number of antiviral compounds can be used for the treatment of acute infection. In addition, these medications have been proven to be safe and effective when administered over long periods of time to treat and suppress such viral infections as genital herpes. Another therapeutic way of using these antiviral medications is to reduce viral shedding in infected patients thus preventing transmission of the disease. The use of antiviral medications as postexposure prophylaxis is another area in which the clinician needs current information. The mechanism of action, the spectrum of activity, and the pharmacokinetics of these antiviral compounds are important in selecting appropriate therapy for patients. The standard of care has changed with the availability of safe and effective antiviral medications. The FDA after careful and controlled clinical trials has approved several antiviral compounds to treat viral STDs. Appropriate use of antiviral compounds in the nonpregnant and pregnant woman significantly improves the morbidity and mortality associated with herpes simplex virus infections and may influence transmission rates to sexual partners and the newborn.