Herpes - shhhh! Overcoming the social stigma

October 5, 2005. Genital herpes is one of the two most common sexually transmitted infections in Australia and up to one in eight people are infected with it. Unfortunately, research from around the world shows herpes carries a social stigma and some patients with herpes suffer diminished self-esteem, anxiety and depression.

The Australian Herpes Management Forum (AHMF) is working hard to change the attitudes of the general public and provide healthcare professionals with appropriate information about genital herpes. Overcoming the misconceptions that surround the virus is the central focus of National Herpes Day on Thursday, 13 October 2005.

“One of the biggest issues with herpes is that of escalating shame or guilt,” says Dr Joe Sasadeusz, AHMF spokesperson and board member.
In a recent survey amongst patients with herpes in the US, it was discovered over half felt embarrassed about having herpes, a quarter found the whole concept hard to understand and 20 percent felt the doctor who initially diagnosed them was not very sympathetic.

“Knowing the facts about your health and obtaining the right treatment is crucial,” said Dr Sasadeusz. “41 percent of respondents to an AHMF online forum during National Herpes Week 2004, were unsure they were on the right medication.”

Unfortunately, this perceived social stigma means rather than discuss their condition with their support network – friends and family – patients often keep their ‘stigma’ a secret. This changes the way they manage the virus, their attitudes about sexual behaviour and even their attitudes towards dating.

While it is true genital herpes has no cure, there are treatments available to help patients maintain a normal life.

“With proper medication genital herpes can be controlled,” says Dr Sasadeusz. “Anti viral medication works extremely well for people with genital herpes, and allows them more control of their lives.”

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