Acquired Immune Response This is where herpes transmission risk gets a little more complicated. There are 9 types of the human herpes virus: HHV1 and HHV2 are the types known as herpes simplex viruses (HSV type 1 and HSV type 2); HHV3 is know as varicella-zoster, the type that causes chickenpox and shingles, or herpes […]
What is my risk of spreading herpes? Herpes Transmission Risk
One of the most common questions we receive is about herpes transmission and the risk of spreading the virus to a new partner. HSV1 & HSV2 is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact – not bodily fluids, blood, surfaces, towels, bedding, toilets, or otherwise, just skin-to-skin contact. From there, inoculation must also occur for the infection to […]
How many outbreaks will I get? Herpes Outbreaks
HSV affects everyone a little differently. Some people are bothered by frequent cold sores and/or genital herpes outbreaks, and others are not. How much of a physical impact the virus has on someone’s body is primarily the result of four factors: how well a person’s immune system is able to combat the infection, how long […]
What is the difference between HSV1 & HSV2? Oral and Genital Herpes
In telling a new partner about a genital herpes infection, it’s common to compare cold sores – an oral herpes infection – with a genital one. However, is that really a good comparison? The emotional and social attitudes surrounding the two infections are wildly different, and those perceptions alone can make an objective comparison and […]
Genital Herpes – It’s Hard to Get Out of Bed – STI Interviews
A concise and poignant interview submitted anonymously via the contact form. This full-time student shares how her genital herpes diagnosis has impacted her emotionally and has affected her relationships with family, friends, and partners. The process of simply writing about your feelings can be healing, but it’s always nice to know you’re not alone and […]
Herpes – Destroying Me Mentally – STI Interviews
Submitted anonymously via the contact form, this woman’s interview brings back so many similar emotions. While it’s been 15 years since I was first diagnosed, the shame, personal disgust, and overwhelming uncertainty about my life ahead engulfed me for so many years following my herpes diagnosis. I write a lot about how I’ve been able […]
Losing a Baby – Chlamydia, PID & Herpes – STI Interviews
After being incredibly patient with us as we went through our website remodel, this anonymous interviewee’s story is finally live – and what a harrowing story it is. Contracting an STD takes such an incredible mental toll on those who are diagnosed that we often set aside some of the physical implications. For this reader, the […]
Seek Positive Influences – HSV1 – STI Interviews
Submitted anonymously via the contact form, this interview highlights how an STD diagnosis, namely, HSV1, can be a blessing in disguise. While the stigma associated with contracting an STD is definitely no Saturday morning walk in the park, it seems that, upon diagnosis, an individual almost always finds themselves doing some much needed personal reflection. […]