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Herpes Questions People Are Asking: And Their Answers, pt.1

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We've seen a pattern throughout the years when it comes to herpes. People ask the same qustions. So, we've decided to make a series with short answers, and trying to provide more resources if you want to dig deeper. So, here we go.

Some are practical. Some are emotional. Some you're afraid to even ask out loud.

Can I date with herpes?

Short answer: Yes, you can date with herpes. And yes, people will date you.
Dating with herpes isn't about if you can do it—it's about how. The key is disclo…

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Antivirals and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

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It's the happy time of finding out you're pregnant (or planning to become), but there are surely questions that comes to mind when you're throwing your herpes diagnosis in. So, let's go when are you recommended in taking the antivirals during pregnancy.

Please note that we are not doctors - these are general guidelines for antivirals in pregnancy.

Another note - antivirals are never a must. It's your decision. They are recommended to take during the last few weeks in pregnancy and the benefit …

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Would You Date Someone with Herpes – If You Didn't Have It Yourself?

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Let's Flip the Perspective for a Minute

We spend so much time in our community talking about the fear of disclosure, the anxiety of rejection, and the weight of wondering if anyone will ever want us. But let's turn the tables for a moment.

Imagine you're someone who doesn't have herpes. You meet someone amazing. You click. You laugh. You stay up talking until 3 AM. You feel that spark.
And then they tell you: "I have herpes."

What do you do?

The Thing About "I Would Never"

I've heard peo…

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The Myth: You Can Spot Herpes Just by Looking

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You think you'll be able to tell if somebody has herpes - and let me tell you why this is false.

Why You Can't See It

Most People Have No Symptoms at All

The CDC states that most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. The World Health Organization confirms that "most HSV infections are asymptomatic or unrecognized".

Translation: The majority of people carrying the virus don't even know they have it—because they've never had a single visible sore.
So if you'r…

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3 Ways How Herpes Is Diagnosed

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Method 1: The Physical Exam (A First Look)

What It Is: A healthcare provider looks at any blisters or sores you have and asks about your symptoms and sexual history.
When It's Used: When you have visible symptoms—blisters, ulcers, or sores in the genital or oral area.
The Catch: A physical exam alone should never be the final diagnosis. Why? Because herpes sores can look like other conditions—ingrown hairs, razor burn, syphilis, or even a bad pimple. Visual inspection is a starting point, not…

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Should You Date Somebody with Herpes – Because You Have Herpes?

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Let's Talk About the Question That Keeps Too Many People Single

I see it all the time in our community and from people that reach out, or write comments on social media. "I've been diagnosed with herpes and now I feel like I should only date people who already have it. It would be easier, right? No awkward conversations. No fear of rejection."

And every time I read that, something in my heart sinks. And I'll be honest - it makes me a bit mad. Because what society has done to this virus is inco…

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Oral Herpes: What Should I NOT Do If I Have It?

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First: You're in Really, Really Good Company

Before we get into the "don'ts," let's get one thing straight: oral herpes is incredibly common.

According to the World Health Organization, two out of three people under age 50 carry HSV-1—the virus that causes cold sores. That's 3.7 billion people worldwide. In some regions, the number is even higher.

What does that mean for you? It means you're normal. It means the majority of people you meet probably have it too—they just don't talk about it. I…

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Can You Be a Nurse With Herpes?

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Spoiler alert: having herpes doesn’t disqualify you from a nursing career. But let’s talk about what actually matters — patient safety, standard precautions, and your peace of mind.

We've seen this question enough times to decided it needs to be put in a blog, and to explain what it means to be a nurse with herpes.
On the other hand, we've seen people being afraid whether they can be cared by somebody with herpes - being a nurse, or a family member.

 

Let me give you the short answer first:…

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Why Is There Never a 0 Result on a Herpes Test?

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A number on your herpes test. But it's not 0.00. It's 0.4. Or 0.7. Or maybe 0.2.

And your brain immediately goes: Wait. I thought I was negative. Why isn't it zero? Does this mean I have some herpes in me? Is this a false negative?

Let's get the basics of testing.

How Herpes Blood Tests Actually Work

First, it helps to understand what the test is actually measuring. A herpes blood test doesn't look for the virus itself. It looks for antibodies—proteins your immune system produces when it's …

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Life After Herpes…and Dreams Coming True

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I married the love of my life in May 2026. I found out I was pregnant in June 2026. And as a closure of my single season, shortly after that, I released my first song, Love story, all about the journey of wrestling through my single season.

If I could have told my “2017-newly-diagnosed-herpes-self” how I’m living now, I don’t think she would have believed me.

My life was never over after I had a herpes diagnosis. Instead, it was the precursor to the most amazing season I’ve ever lived. (And it’s …

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