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Herpes 101

My Fifth Cold Sore Ever and How We Support Each Other in Our Support Group Calls

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As we gather each week for our support group, it never fails to amaze me how our conversations organically weave around different themes. Sometimes it's dating, rejection, diet – each sharing a piece of our lives. This time, I'm stepping into vulnerability to share my recent experience.

Let me take you to my Sunday. Picture this: a serene Sunday afternoon, watching my son splash in the bathtub when suddenly, I felt a tiny bump on my lip. Disbelief and panic struck. I had minutes before work…

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Understanding Cold Sores

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Dealing with a cold sore, also known as oral herpes, can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. "When people hear 'herpes,' there's an immediate association with a highly stigmatized virus," notes Dr. Chris Adigun, a board-certified dermatologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The stigma surrounding cold sores carries tangible repercussions. According to a Compeed poll, 28 percent of respondents admitted staying home due to a cold sore outbreak. Those affected often gr…

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Overcoming Anxiety from a Herpes Diagnosis and Embracing Life's Moments

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The moment we leave the doctor's office or hang up the phone after hearing the diagnosis, a whirlwind of emotions takes over. Questions flood our minds – will I be loved, will I ever have sex again, can I accept myself? It's a storm of confusion, blame, and the relentless 'why me?' echoing in our thoughts. Then, the days pass, and the worry intensifies.

We might turn to Google, only to plunge into a world of terrifying possibilities, imagining ourselves as walking hazards, capable of transm…

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Herpes as a Filter: Transforming Your Life beyond the Diagnosis

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In those first, overwhelming moments, it's entirely natural to feel as if your world has come crashing down. The weight of fear, uncertainty, and the mistaken belief that your life is forever altered can be all-consuming. However, what you may not realize is that this diagnosis is far from the end; it's a profound opportunity to transform your life. It's a chance to initiate the changes that have been waiting to happen.

On a recent support group call, a major theme emerged: using herpes as …

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Herpes Awareness Day 2023

herpes awareness day 2023

It's herpes awareness day 2023! We often talk  about herpes 101, herpes stigma, dealing with herpes outbreaks, dating with herpes and being pregnant with herpes! 

Today, we're taking a different route and discussing some lesser-known facts about herpes. Here we go.

Herpes in animals

Herpesviruses can infect a wide range of animal species, both vertebrates and invertebrates. Here are some examples of animals known to be affected by herpesviruses: Chimpanzees and Gorillas; Horses;  CatsDogs; …

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Herpes Diagnosis: From Punishment to Empowerment

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Have you ever been handed a diagnosis that made you feel like it was the ultimate punishment? That's how I felt when I was diagnosed with herpes. I believed I deserved it, that somehow I had brought it upon myself. But over time, I realized that dwelling on this belief was not helping me move forward. Instead, I chose to shift my perspective and embrace the idea that getting herpes happened for me, not to me.

It's not easy to change the way you view something as stigmatized as herpes, but mak…

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Discovering Strength and Wisdom: What Would You Tell Someone Just Diagnosed with Herpes?

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This week, during one of our support group calls, we delved into a profound question: "What would you tell someone who was diagnosed with herpes?" The answers flowed freely, reflecting personal journeys and heartfelt insights. What surprised me most was the overwhelming kindness and love that infused these responses.

Our community shared stories of their own experiences, illustrating that living with herpes can be a path to profound self-discovery, newfound confidence, and unexpected wisdom…

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Herpes Testing: A Journey through Time

History of Herpes Testing A Journey through Time

In today's world, advancements in medical technology have made herpes testing a routine and accessible procedure. However, the journey to reach this point has been marked by significant milestones and breakthroughs. Join us as we embark on a historical exploration of herpes testing, tracing its origins and the remarkable progress made over the years.

  1. Ancient Beliefs and Observations: In ancient times, the understanding of herpes was shrouded in mystery and superstition. Historical texts and…

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The Urgent Need for Comprehensive Sexual Education: Combating the Rise of STIs

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Why Education and Prevention Should Be Prioritized Over Antibiotics for STI Control

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are becoming increasingly common in the United States and other countries, a concerning trend acknowledged by healthcare professionals. As a urologist, I have observed a rise in patients seeking treatment for STIs. Recently, while browsing through Twitter, I stumbled upon a USA TODAY news article that referenced a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The …

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The Secret Society: An Online Support Group for Herpes Community

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Finding out you have herpes can be a difficult and isolating experience. When Alexandra, the founder of The Secret Society was first diagnosed, she felt alone and without support. That's why she created The Secret Society, an online support group for people living with herpes.

The Secret Society is a place where people from all over the world come together to find support, make friends, and talk about their herpes journey. It's a safe space where people can be open and honest without fe…

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