Once infected with the herpes virus, it remains present in the body for the rest of its life. Often "dormant", it will reappear during "outbreaks", forming sores on the lips (in the case of herpes labialis) or sexual organs (in the case of genital herpes). During outbreaks, a local treatment in cream form is available to combat the pain and reduce the intensity and duration of the outbreak. An oral treatment is also available, recommended to prevent recurrence of "outbreaks". However, this treatment does not cure herpes.

For further information, we recommend that you consult :

- Santé Publique France's "Question Sexualité" website
- The Santé Publique France website, and its thematic dossier on all STDs / STIs
- The "Sexualités entre hommes et prévention" information site
- Regional COREVIH websites
- The French Ministry of Solidarity and Health website, and the article "Informer sur le VIH/Sida et les autres infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST)".
- The section dedicated to STDs / STIs on the Assurance Maladie "Ameli" website

And more specifically for AIDS, you can consult the Sida Info Service website.