Herpes basics
What Is Herpes? HSV-1 and HSV-2 Facts, Spread and Care
What is herpes? It is a common infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. There is no cure, but prescription antivirals shorten outbreaks and daily suppression lowers recurrences. WHO estimates 3.8 billion people under 50 carry HSV-1. Reviralis is a supplement, not an antiviral, and no source shows it affects outbreaks.
Written by the Reviralis label deskUpdated
The basics01
What is herpes?
Herpes is an infection with the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. It is very common, it stays in the body for life, and it often causes no symptoms at all.
Q: How common is it? A: WHO estimates that 3.8 billion people under 50 carry HSV-1, about 64% of that age group, and 520 million people aged 15 to 49 carry HSV-2, about 13% (WHO, Herpes Simplex Virus Fact Sheet). Many of them never have a sore.
The virus has two main types. After the first infection it settles in nerve cells and can wake up later, which is why sores can return in the same area. The sales page for Reviralis uses the words "outbreak" and "flare-up". The product label does not, and this guide covers the herpes facts the label leaves out.
Two types02
What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?
HSV-1 usually causes cold sores around the mouth, and HSV-2 usually causes genital sores. Either type can infect either area, so the type alone does not tell you much about the person.
Mayo Clinic describes cold sores as small, fluid-filled blisters on and around the lips, usually caused by HSV-1 (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes). The CDC describes genital herpes as most often caused by HSV-2, with HSV-1 an increasing cause (CDC, About Genital Herpes). A clinician can test a sore or blood to confirm the type.
| Question | HSV-1 | HSV-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Usual sore site | Mouth and lips (cold sores) | Genital area |
| People affected (WHO) | 3.8 billion under 50 (64%) | 520 million aged 15 to 49 (13%) |
| Cure | None | None |
| Proven care | Prescription antivirals | Prescription antivirals |
| Spread without a sore | Yes | Yes |
Sources: WHO (WHO, Herpes Simplex Virus Fact Sheet), CDC (CDC, About Genital Herpes) and Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes).
Spread03
How does herpes spread?
Herpes spreads by skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, and it can spread when no sore is visible.
Cold sores can pass through kissing and through shared items such as lip balm, and genital herpes passes through vaginal, anal or oral sex (CDC, About Genital Herpes) (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes). The CDC says condoms lower the risk but do not remove it, because the virus can live on skin a condom does not cover (CDC, About Genital Herpes).
Daily suppressive therapy with an antiviral also lowers the chance of passing HSV-2 to a partner (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes). A clinician can talk this through with you and, if you wish, your partner. Nothing in this is a reason for shame: this is one of the most common infections in the world.
Cure04
Is there a cure for herpes?
No. There is no cure for herpes, and no vaccine is in routine use. The CDC and WHO both say treatment controls symptoms and lowers spread but does not remove the virus (CDC, About Genital Herpes) (WHO, Herpes Simplex Virus Fact Sheet).
The CDC adds that repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and milder than the first, and that they often become less frequent over time (CDC, About Genital Herpes). That matters when you read a product claim. A person who feels better after a month may simply be seeing the natural pattern.
Any product that says it cures or removes the virus is making a claim that no source here supports. Regulators have acted against online products sold for sexually transmitted infections (HIV.gov, FDA and FTC Act on Fraudulent HIV and STD Products).
Outbreaks05
What does an outbreak look like and how long does it last?
An outbreak is a cluster of small blisters that break, crust and heal. A first outbreak is often the longest and most uncomfortable.
Many people feel tingling, itching or burning in the area a day or so before blisters show. Some have fever, swollen glands or body aches at the first outbreak. The CDC says later outbreaks are usually milder (CDC, About Genital Herpes). Many infections never produce a recognizable sore, so a person can carry HSV without knowing.
- Warning signs
Tingling, itching or burning where sores usually appear.
- Blisters
Small fluid-filled bumps form and then open.
- Crusting
Open sores dry and scab over.
- Healing
The skin closes up, usually without a scar. Timing varies by person and by episode.
Reviralis: from $49 a bottle60 capsules a bottle · 2, 3 or 6 bottles · free US shipping on 3 and 6 · 60-day money-back guarantee
See packsCare06
What care works for herpes?
Prescription antivirals are the proven care: acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. A clinician chooses the drug and the plan.
The CDC says these medicines can shorten an outbreak, and that daily suppression reduces recurrences by 70 to 80% in people with frequent ones (CDC, About Genital Herpes). Full detail is on antivirals and clinician care.
- There is no cureHerpes simplex virus stays in the body for life. Outbreaks are usually shorter and milder after the first and often become less frequent. (CDC, About Genital Herpes) (WHO, Herpes Simplex Virus Fact Sheet)
- Antivirals are the proven careAcyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir shorten outbreaks, and daily suppression cuts recurrences 70 to 80% in people with frequent ones. A clinician prescribes them. (CDC, About Genital Herpes) (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes) (WHO, Herpes Simplex Virus Fact Sheet)
- It can spread without a soreThe virus can pass between partners when no sore is visible. Condoms lower the risk but do not remove it. (CDC, About Genital Herpes) (WHO, Herpes Simplex Virus Fact Sheet)
- Triggers are known, but not fully understoodWHO lists illness or fever, sun, menstruation, injury, stress and surgery; Mayo adds fatigue, hormones and immune changes. (WHO, Herpes Simplex Virus Fact Sheet) (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes)
- Stress is linked only weaklyEleven studies found a weak link between stress and recurrence, with signs of publication bias. A link is not proof of cause. (Chida and Mao 2009, Stress and HSV Recurrence (Brain Behav Immun))
- Sunscreen has some trial support for sun-triggered soresTwo trials found sunscreen prevented sores brought on by UV light; a third did not. (Chi 2015, Cochrane: Preventing Cold Sores)
- Lysine did not hold upA Cochrane review found no evidence it prevents cold sores. (Chi 2015, Cochrane: Preventing Cold Sores) (Mailoo and Rampes 2017, Lysine Review (Integr Med))
- Zinc cream, not zinc capsulesThe one herpes-specific zinc trial tested a cream in 46 people: 5.0 days against 6.5. (Godfrey 2001, Topical Zinc Oxide/Glycine for Cold Sores (Altern Ther Health Med)) (NIH ODS, Zinc)
- Tell a clinician if you are pregnantHerpes passed to a newborn is serious, and care in pregnancy is planned with a clinician. (CDC, About Genital Herpes) (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes)
Get care07
When should you see a clinician about herpes?
See a clinician for a first outbreak, a sore you cannot identify, frequent outbreaks, a weak immune system, pregnancy, or any pain in or near the eye.
Mayo Clinic advises care for cold sores that last more than two weeks, that come with a gritty or painful eye, or that appear in someone with weak immunity (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes). Fever with a stiff neck or confusion is an emergency.
- Painful sores near the eyesHerpes in or near the eye can harm sight. Get care the same day.
- A first outbreak, or sores you are unsure aboutA clinician can confirm what it is and talk about antivirals and partner safety.
- Sores that do not heal in 2 to 3 weeksOr frequent outbreaks. Ask about daily suppression.
- A weakened immune systemOutbreaks can be longer or more severe. Tell your clinician about any outbreak.
- Fever, stiff neck, severe headache or confusionCall 911 or go to an emergency room.
- Pregnant, or a new baby with sores or feverCall a clinician or emergency care right away.
From the CDC and Mayo Clinic (CDC, About Genital Herpes) (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes) (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes). This list is not complete, and a supplement is never a reason to wait.
Where Reviralis fits08
Is Reviralis a herpes treatment?
No. Reviralis Complete is a dietary supplement in capsules. It is not an antiviral, it is not a treatment, and no source we found shows that it or its ingredients has any effect on outbreaks.
The label prints 22 vitamin and mineral lines and a 661 mg blend of 18 names, and never mentions herpes. Under FDA rules a supplement sold for a disease is treated as a drug (FDA, Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements). If you take a prescribed antiviral, keep taking it. A supplement can sit beside care, but it is never a replacement.
Read the is it legit review for the claim-by-claim check, and the guides hub for the other herpes pages.
FAQ09
Herpes basics: common questions
What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?
HSV-1 mostly causes cold sores on and around the mouth, and HSV-2 mostly causes genital sores. Either can infect either area. Both are lifelong, both can pass without a visible sore, and both are managed with the same prescription antivirals.
Can herpes be cured?
No. The CDC and WHO both state that there is no cure. Prescription antivirals shorten outbreaks and, taken daily, lower recurrences and the chance of passing HSV-2 to a partner, but the virus stays in the body.
Can you spread herpes when you have no sores?
Yes. The virus can shed from the skin when no sore is visible, so it can pass between partners without symptoms. Condoms lower the risk but do not remove it, and daily suppressive therapy lowers it further.
How common is herpes?
Very common. WHO estimates 3.8 billion people under 50 carry HSV-1 and 520 million people aged 15 to 49 carry HSV-2. Many never have a recognizable sore, so most carriers do not know.
Do herpes outbreaks get better over time?
Often, yes. The CDC says repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and milder than the first and often become less frequent. That natural pattern is why a personal sense of improvement is weak evidence for any product.
Is Reviralis a herpes medicine?
No. Reviralis Complete is a dietary supplement, not an antiviral. Its label never mentions herpes, and no source we found shows it changes outbreaks. Keep any prescribed antiviral and ask a clinician about care.
When is a herpes sore an emergency?
Painful sores in or near the eye, or sores with fever, stiff neck, severe headache or confusion, need urgent care. Call 911 or go to an emergency room. A new baby with sores or fever also needs care right away.
Who wrote this10
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the order page and linked NIH, FDA, FTC, Mayo Clinic and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a USA Authorized Reviralis Retailer. It is not the manufacturer or the distributor named on the label. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
Keep reading
More about Reviralis
USA Authorized Reviralis Retailer
Ready to try Reviralis?
Read the label warning, check your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist first, then pick a pack. Six bottles cost the least per bottle; three and six ship free in the US; every pack carries the 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Secure checkout on the sales site
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Ships from the U.S.