Treatment of First-Episode Genital Herpes Presenting Within 5 Days of Onset
Clinical Scenario
This protocol applies to patients with a first episode of genital herpes who present within 5 days of the start of the episode, or while new lesions are still forming — and who are not pregnant and not living with HIV.
Treatment Approach
Oral antiviral drugs are the mainstay of management for this presentation, supported by appropriate symptomatic measures. The complete regimen — including agent choices, dosing, and duration — is set out in the full protocol.
Treatment Goals
- No further genital lesion development at early review
- Resolution of systemic symptoms
- No disease complications
References
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.20450
- Patients presenting within 5 days of the start of the episode, or while new lesions are still forming, should be given oral antiviral drugs.
- Bathing with normal saline and the use of appropriate analgesia are recommended.
- If a decision to provide 5 days of therapy is made, the patient should have early review to ensure they have no further lesion development, systemic symptoms or disease complications — they all will require extended therapy.
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