References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Viral STIs — infections caused by viruses rather than bacteria — include HIV, herpes (HSV), HPV, and hepatitis B and C. Unlike bacterial STIs, most viral STIs can’t be cured with antibiotics. But they can be managed effectively with modern treatment, and several can be prevented with vaccination.
Here’s an overview.
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Main Viral STIs
| Virus | Causes | Vaccine? | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV | Immune deficiency, AIDS | Not yet | Lifelong antiretroviral therapy |
| Herpes (HSV-1, HSV-2) | Cold sores, genital herpes | No | Antiviral (aciclovir) |
| HPV | Warts, cancers | Yes | Symptomatic (warts, pre-cancer) |
| Hepatitis B | Liver inflammation, cancer | Yes | Antiviral suppression |
| Hepatitis C | Liver damage, cancer | No | Direct-acting antivirals (curative) |
| Mpox (monkeypox) | Rash, fever | Yes (for at-risk groups) | Supportive care |
HIV
- Attacks the immune system
- Tested by blood (4th-generation lab test)
- Treated with lifelong antiretroviral therapy
- Undetectable = untransmittable (U=U)
- Near-normal life expectancy with treatment
Herpes
- HSV-1 (oral) and HSV-2 (genital), though either can affect both sites
- Very common — most adults carry HSV-1
- Tested by swab (active lesion) or blood antibody
- Treated with antiviral drugs
- Lifelong but manageable
HPV
- Causes genital warts and several cancers
- Many types; some clear naturally, others persist
- Cervical screening detects cell changes
- Vaccine prevents the most harmful types
- No specific antiviral treatment for HPV itself
Hepatitis B
- Attacks the liver
- Can become chronic, leading to liver damage and cancer
- Preventable with vaccination
- Treated with antiviral suppression
- Routine antenatal screening
Hepatitis C
- Mainly spread through injecting drug use; can spread sexually
- No vaccine available
- Direct-acting antivirals cure over 95%
- Free on the NHS
Testing
- Blood tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C
- Swab from lesion for herpes
- Cervical screening for HPV
- Home kits and clinic testing both available
Prevention
- Vaccines — HPV, hepatitis A/B, mpox
- PrEP — HIV prevention
- Condoms — reduce most STI risk
- Regular testing
- U=U — prevents sexual HIV transmission when on treatment
Read more: Vaccine-preventable STIs | Bacterial STIs | Untreated STIs
Frequently Asked Questions
Most are, but hepatitis C is now curable. Others can be controlled effectively with treatment.
HPV, hepatitis A/B and mpox have vaccines. HIV does not yet.
Yes. HPV is often cleared naturally. For HIV, the immune system needs medication support. For herpes, the immune system controls but doesn’t eliminate the virus.
Related reading
- A to Z of Sex: Sexual Health Terms Explained
- Alcohol and HIV: What You Need to Know
- Anxiety and HIV: Coping and Getting Support
- Are All STIs Curable?
- Blood Problems and HIV: Anaemia, Low Platelets and More
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
