Do you tell people about your herpes?
Your friends, colleagues and family probably don’t need to know about it, as there’s minimal risk of them catching the virus from you through sexual contact. If you have close friends and the subject of herpes comes up in discussion, feel free to tell them about your HSV-1 or HSV-2 status if you feel comfortable.
What is life like with herpes?
People who get genital herpes can and do lead perfectly normal lives. A primary infection can be severe and involve generalised ‘flu’-like symptoms. This, combined with the pain and discomfort of the sores and, in some cases, secondary infection, can leave people feeling very run-down.
Can you be happy with herpes?
A herpes diagnosis says nothing negative about how you live your life. It says nothing negative about who you are. As hard as it may be to believe, people with herpes can date and have happy and fulfilling sexual lives with herpes. This is not to suggest you won’t encounter challenges or need time to adjust.
Do I legally have to tell someone I have herpes?
As a general rule, no, you do not have an obligation to tell your partner if you have a sexually transmitted disease. There aren’t any federal or state laws making it illegal for you to not tell a partner about an STD you may have.
Can people with herpes have kids?
The answer to both questions is “yes,” but you’ll need to take some precautions. Women with genital herpes can have healthy children. If you have genital herpes, precautions can help prevent your baby from getting the virus.
How do mentally deal with herpes?
“Herpes has a tremendous psychological overlay,” he says, “but knowledge about the disease can reduce that.”…For the best protection against giving another person the virus, says Handsfield, you would have to do three things:
- First, avoid sex during outbreaks.
- Second, use condoms regularly.
- Third, take antiviral drugs.
Does herpes ruin your life?
Herpes isn’t deadly and it usually doesn’t cause any serious health problems. While herpes outbreaks can be annoying and painful, the first flare-up is usually the worst. For many people, outbreaks happen less over time and may eventually stop completely.
Does herpes mean my life is over?
It doesn’t mean you’ve had sex unwisely. It also doesn’t mean your sex life is over. Many people will have no problem seeing past your diagnosis to the person beyond: someone worthy of love and affection. Herpes isn’t as awful as some people make it out to be, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.