Herpes myths still common among Australians, survey finds
12 November 2001
Australians still have a lack of understanding about herpes virus infections, their prevalence, and how to prevent them.
That was one of the findings of a herpes consumer survey released to coincide with International Herpes Week (12-18 November 2001). The survey was conducted among 1087 Australians in October and November this year.
The irony is that many people surveyed were unaware that the viruses causing commonly talked about conditions such as chickenpox and shingles, like genital herpes, also belong to the herpes virus family. In fact, 67 per cent of people did not classify chickenpox as part of the herpes family nor did they identify shingles (56 per cent) as belonging to this group.
According to Chair of the Australian Herpes Management Forum (AHMF) Professor Adrian Mindel, there needs to be wider acceptance of the word ‘herpes’ so that the barriers that exist for people affected by the rarely talked about genital herpes condition can begin to break down.
'It is estimated that one in 8 Australians have the virus that causes genital herpes, yet 80 per cent are unaware of their condition. While there are many factors that contribute to this, common reasons cited include a fear of facing the problem, embarrassment and the misconception that no cure equals no treatment.
'Diagnosis is extremely important because, while there is no cure for the condition, effective medications are available to treat or prevent recurrent outbreaks as well as stop the virus from multiplying,' Professor Mindel said.
Commenting on the recent research findings, International Herpes Week patron, Dr Cindy Pan, who is a family doctor and sexual health and relationships expert, stressed the importance of community education and awareness to prevent the transmission of the herpes viruses.
'So many medical conditions have been brought out of the closet over the past few years and are now widely discussed within the community. Even so, for some reason discussion about genital herpes remains low.
'Not only does this isolate people living with what is essentially a very common and manageable condition, it also means that myths about transmission and protection are perpetrated and that people may be placing themselves at unnecessary risk.
'For example, it’s particularly concerning that 2 out of every 5 people recently surveyed were unaware that cold sores can be transferred to the genital area during oral sex, thus ultimately causing genital herpes.
'Alarmingly, while only 44 per cent of people surveyed said they used condoms to practise safe sex, which in itself is a concern for all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), 30 per cent of these people were not aware that condoms only partially protect against herpes virus infections.
'Why? Because the virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and can therefore be passed to or from areas not covered by a condom,' Dr Pan said.
When asked about STDs in general, the majority of survey respondents (85 per cent) assumed genital herpes would be screened for in a STD test, when in fact this is not the case.
Commenting further, Dr Pan said that genital herpes is certainly nothing to be ashamed of: 'It’s simply a very common consequence of being sexually active.
'Most people wouldn’t be ashamed of having a cold sore, yet essentially that’s what genital herpes is — a cold sore in a different place.
'I would therefore recommend anyone experiencing troubling genital complaints such as tingling, blisters, sores or lesions, especially if the complaints are recurrent, to see their doctor or sexual healthcare provider,' Dr Pan concluded.
A support line for people with genital herpes, or for those wanting further information, operates throughout the year. The toll-free support line number is 1800 102 200.
Last Reviewed: 09 November 2001
