National Herpes Awareness Day - October 13
October 13 is National Herpes Awareness Day, an opportunity to raise awareness around the causes, risks, and treatment of different types of herpes infections, particularly genital herpes. Perhaps more importantly, it’s a chance to debunk myths around the disease, start conversations about what it really means to have genital herpes infection, and, hopefully, destroy the stigma around the disease that impacts nearly 16% of women between the ages of 14 and 49.
Like many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), herpes is a very common but often misunderstood and stigmatized infection. Herpes is a virus, and once it’s been contracted, it can’t be entirely eradicated from someone’s body. However, it’s easily treated and preventative measures can be taken to minimize the possibility of spreading the virus to a sexual partner.
A herpes infection can be caused by two different types of the herpes simplex virus: type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Though both types can cause oral or genital infections, oral herpes is usually caused by HSV-1 and genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2. The herpes virus, in either form, is incredibly common. More than 1 in 6 people of reproductive age have genital herpes, but most people don’t know that they’ve been infected. The majority of people living with the herpes virus have no symptoms or very mild symptoms that may be attributed to other skin conditions.
For people who contract the herpes virus and do experience symptoms, the initial outbreak often occurs within two weeks of exposure. This initial outbreak will likely manifest in several small blisters, but can also include symptoms like fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, or a headache. A doctor can generally diagnose herpes based on the presentation of blisters, but the most accurate way to verify a herpes diagnosis is through a blood test, says the CDC. This test isn’t often administered as part of standard STI screenings, which usually require a genital swab or urine sample, so people who are asymptomatic may never be tested for the herpes virus unless they come into sexual contact with someone else who has tested positive or experiences symptoms. In fact, because herpes is such a common and often asymptomatic infection, the CDC doesn’t recommend screening unless someone knows they might have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms.
Though many people who have herpes are asymptomatic, it is still possible for anyone that carries the virus to pass it to sexual partners during periods of viral shedding. Transmission of the virus from one person to another happens through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area and can occur even during times when no symptoms are present. Anyone who is sexually active should have open conversations with their partner(s) about STIs like herpes, including if and when they’ve been screened and if they’re experiencing any symptoms that could be caused by an STI. To lower the possibility of transmission, sexually active people with herpes can talk to their doctor about suppressive antiviral therapy, consistently use barrier methods of protection like internal/external condoms and dental dams, and plan sexual activity around active outbreaks.
History of National Herpes Awareness Day
Herpes has been one of the most misunderstood (and mistreated) ailments in history. It has been around for millions of years and affected nearly every species of human along the evolutionary scale. In fact, in 2017, scientists discovered the ancient primate believed to have been herpes patient zero. Needless to say, we hominids have been dealing with the itching, burning, tingling pain of herpes for millennia.
However, the stigma around herpes is relatively new. Throughout most of modern medical history (ie. the 20th century), the stigma of herpes was relatively low. Yes, it was a sexually transmitted infection, but it was also transmitted through other forms of contact and it wasn’t considered a discrete type of infection until the 1960s.
By the 1980s, herpes, particularly Herpes Simplex II, the virus known to cause most genital cases, became a very real source of public shame and embarrassment. Time Magazine labeled it “the new sexual leprosy” bringing with it the expected stigma and turning it into a boogeyman on the level of other sexually transmitted diseases.
The fact is, having herpes shouldn’t dramatically change a person’s self-worth and sexual health. Herpes Awareness Day was created to start a conversation around the condition and encourage people to seek treatment for the symptoms (there’s currently no cure) and promote healthy, reasonable discourse about the virus’ actual impact on people’s lives. It’s an important conversation that is long overdue and the folks at FemiClear are taking the lead as they try to help women living with genital herpes get their lives back.
Why National Herpes Awareness Day is Important
Because one in six women have the virus and many don't know it
Women are twice as likely to have genital herpes compared to men. It is estimated that 16% of women have herpes while just slightly over 8% of men have the condition. National Herpes Awareness Day hopes to bring some of that to light.
It can often go untreated due to embarrassment
It’s not easy to admit that you have herpes, even to a doctor, so many don’t seek the treatment they need because the stigma is too great.
Because this stigma needs to go
The genital herpes stigma is pervasive and ill-deserved. It is a very common disease and while it can’t be cured, it can be well treated. The conversation needs to happen to bring this pernicious stigma down.
Observing National Herpes Awareness Day
Educate yourself about genital herpes
What do you really know about HSV-1 and 2? Probably less than you thought. Take the time to educate yourself about these viruses and the stigmas around them.
Have a conversation about genital herpes
It may sound difficult but the more taboo we make talking about genital herpes, the longer the stigma will continue to impact those with the virus
If you think you have it, seek treatment
This is a no-brainer but it's easy to feel too embarrassed to see a doctor. If you’re experiencing symptoms, get treated, and hopefully kick some of that embarrassment because you’re not alone
Sources:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-great-plains/blog/national-herpes-awareness-day
https://nationaltoday.com/national-herpes-awareness-day/
https://thestiproject.com/herpes-symptoms-signs-and-symptoms-of-stds-and-stis/
https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm
https://www.webmd.com/coronavirus