The emotional impact of being diagnosed with herpes is often much worse than the condition itself, which is both common and manageable. You may have heard the myths… now here are some facts.Herpes doesn’t deserve the upset it causes. Four out of five New Zealanders have the herpes simplex virus, which is responsible for both ‘cold sores’ around the mouth (facial herpes) and sores around the genitals, buttocks and thighs (genital herpes). But while cold sores are considered a nuisance, genital herpes is associated with an unfounded degree of stigma.
ABOUT THE SYMPTOMSThe majority of people who carry the virus have no symptoms at all, and don’t even know they have herpes. In fact, more than 50% of people get herpes from partners who have no signs and symptoms, and are unaware they have the infection. Typical symptoms are clusters of little vesicles which break, causing a sore which heals up and disappears.
HOW IS HERPES SPREAD?Anyone who has ever had sex can get genital herpes – it is not about being clean or unclean – it’s about being sexually active in a normal way.
You can get genital herpes from someone who carries the herpes simplex virus, whether they show symptoms or not. Carriers may ‘shed’ the virus from time to time without showing symptoms and, in doing so, may transmit the infection to their sexual partner if they have sex at that time.
It’s also possible to contract genital herpes from someone with facial herpes. Over 50% of genital herpes in under 25-year-olds in New Zealand is caused by herpes simplex type 1 (facial cold sores) transmitted by oral to genital contact.
Facial herpes is so much more common because mere kissing can spread the infection. If you have cold sores, chances are you were infected during infancy or childhood as a result of contact with well-meaning relatives.
MYTH VS FACT1. Myth: Herpes isn’t that common and I’m unlikely to get it.
Fact: Up to 80% of the population has the herpes strain that causes cold sores on the mouth, and up to 22% of sexually active adults have genital herpes. Most, however, do not have any symptoms.
2. Myth: Herpes cold sores on the mouth are not the same as genital herpes.
Fact: You can contract genital herpes from someone with the ‘cold sore’ strain of herpes, via oral/genital contact.
3. Myth: People always know if they have genital herpes.
Fact: No, 80% of those with genital herpes do not know they have it, as they don’t have symptoms.
4. Myth: Herpes is passed through blood.
Fact: Herpes is not present in the blood. People with genital herpes can still donate blood. Herpes is only passed through direct skin-to-skin contact.
5. Myth: It’s risky living in the same house as someone who has genital herpes.
Fact: The herpes simplex virus is not spread through sharing communal facilities. When the virus leaves living skin cells, it dies. People with genital or facial herpes are able to use the same showers, toilets, washing machines and swimming pools as anyone else, without the worry of passing on infection.
*Visit www.herpes.org.nz for more myths vs factsHERPES IS TREATABLEWhile there’s no cure for herpes, there are several ways to manage the infection and help prevent its spread.
For information on managing herpes, visit www.herpes.org.nz
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