HSV-1 FactsEvidence-based health information

Prevention & treatment

Reducing the risk, and managing HSV-1

There is no cure and no vaccine yet — but HSV-1 is very manageable, and simple steps meaningfully lower the chance of passing it on, especially to those most at risk.

Lowering the chance of spreading it

Because HSV-1 is so common and can spread without symptoms, the goal is to reduce risk — particularly during an outbreak and around vulnerable people — rather than to achieve zero risk. Practical steps:

  • Avoid contact during outbreaks. Don't kiss or share saliva while you have a cold sore, when transmission risk is highest.
  • Don't share mouth items. Cups, cutlery, water bottles, lip balm, toothbrushes and towels during an outbreak.
  • Wash your hands after touching a sore, and try not to touch it — this helps prevent spreading it to your eyes or fingers.
  • Be careful with oral contact. HSV-1 can pass to a partner's genitals through oral sex; barrier methods reduce but don't eliminate the risk.
  • Protect your lips from strong sun if UV triggers your outbreaks — a lip balm with SPF can help.

Protect newborns and vulnerable people

If you have a cold sore, do not kiss a newborn baby, and wash your hands before any contact. Take extra care around anyone with a weakened immune system or with eczema. If you're pregnant and you or your partner have a history of genital herpes, tell your maternity care team so they can plan a safe delivery.

Treatment: what helps

HSV-1 can't be cured, but antiviral medicines can ease outbreaks and, for some people, prevent them. They work best when started early.

Antiviral medicines
Aciclovir (acyclovir), valaciclovir (valacyclovir) and famciclovir are the standard treatments. They shorten and soften outbreaks and reduce viral shedding.
Suppressive (daily) therapy
People with frequent or severe recurrences may take a low daily dose to reduce how often outbreaks happen and lower transmission risk. A clinician can advise whether this is appropriate.
For serious complications
Encephalitis, eye disease, neonatal herpes and severe infection in immunocompromised people are treated urgently, often with intravenous antivirals in hospital and specialist care.
Comfort measures
Over-the-counter pain relief and topical cold-sore treatments can help symptoms, though they don't clear the virus. A pharmacist can suggest options.

The reassuring reality

For the vast majority of people, HSV-1 is a manageable condition that has little effect on daily life. Outbreaks tend to become less frequent over time, effective treatments exist, and knowing how to protect the few people at higher risk makes a real difference.

Is there a vaccine?

Not yet. There is currently no licensed vaccine for HSV-1, though the World Health Organization and researchers are actively working on prevention strategies, including vaccine development. Until one exists, the measures above are the best tools available.

Treatment choices should always be guided by a doctor or pharmacist who knows your situation — this page describes options in general terms only.