Dr Feelgood issues society challenge to destigmatise herpes down under
"Start talking and shake the social stigma attached to herpes down under" is the public health challenge being issued to the Australian community today by an Australian GP well-versed in "pillow talk".
Media medic, Dr Sally Cockburn / aka Dr Feelgood has joined forces with two leading herpes organisations - the International Herpes Management Forum (IHMF) and the International Herpes Alliance (IHA) - to launch a global, on-line survey during International Herpes Week (12-18 November) which is designed to produce a better understanding of herpes and its management.
Given that eight out of 10 people have Herpes Type 1 (which commonly takes the form of a cold sore around the mouth) and approximately two in 10 people have Herpes Type 2 (which commonly takes the form of genital herpes), the time has arrived to start openly addressing herpes as a public health issue and removing the stigma attached to it.
According to Dr Feelgood, "The survey will offer Australians with herpes an anonymous voice to express their fears and key challenges in managing this common infection in a unique, on-line forum. The information collected will provide people with genital herpes and healthcare providers world-wide with information about how to improve the management of this condition".
To complete the survey, people must visit www.herpes.com.au. The results of the survey will be collated and released at the IHA Congress overseas next year.
Dr Feelgood cites much of the anxiety associated with genital herpes is closely linked to the social stigma attached to the condition. Those diagnosed with herpes are often afraid of rejection and therefore refrain from discussing it with their friends and potential partners.
"It's tragic that the same virus can cause so much emotional upset simply depending on what part of the body it affects. A cold sore near the mouth is considered a nuisance, but genital herpes can affect people's whole way of viewing themselves and others. I know people who deliberately avoid establishing close relationships rather than discussing genital herpes with a new partner. These people are often unaware that good treatment options exist, but are too embarrassed to talk to their doctor or get a proper diagnosis".
Dr Feelgood claims herpes picked up a bad reputation in the 1980's, before the introduction of antiviral medications. However, it is time we moved on and realised that with modern treatment, the stigma is often worse than the condition itself.
"Sure genital herpes is an infection and it's sexually transmitted, but with good treatment and safe sex practices, it should attract no more emotional response than its cousin, the cold sore", she said.
Herpes Simplex is a common skin infection. There are two common sub-types of the virus - Type 1 and Type 2.
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