Genital herpes is caused by an infection of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Genital herpes is mainly a sexually transmitted disease. It is a chronic infection. Once you get the virus, you will have it your entire life. The virus has the ability to hide in the sensitive nerves. When the immune system becomes weak, for any reason, HSV causes recidivism (a breakout). In several days, the immune system will then defeat the breakout but the virus will hide again and wait until the immune system is weak to strike. Valtrex is used to treat recidivism but can’t prevent these occasions. In case of frequent recidivism, immunotherapy (herpes vaccine) is indicated as treatment protocol. During immunotherapy, 6 vaccines are administered under the skin (one on every 20 days). You can consult a dermatologist about this type of treatment if you are interested in pursuing therapy that stimulates the immune system.