International Herpes Week kicks off with online survey
12 November 2001
Australians are being urged to take part in a global online survey about herpes, which is being launched this week as part of International Herpes Week (12-18 November 2001).
The survey has been launched this week by media medic Dr Feelgood, who has joined forces with 2 leading herpes organisations — the International Herpes Management Forum (IHMF) and the International Herpes Alliance (IHA) — to get Australians to start talking about herpes and help shake off the social stigma attached to the condition.
Given that 8 out of 10 people have Herpes simplex type 1 (which commonly takes the form of a cold sore around the mouth) and about 2 in 10 people have Herpes simplex 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.
She said: '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 worldwide, with information about how to improve the management of this condition.'
How do I take part in the survey?
To complete the survey, you should visit the website www.herpes.com.au.
The results of the survey will be collated and released at the IHA Congress overseas next year.
Social stigma
Dr Feelgood said that 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.'
According to Dr Feelgood, 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.
Types of herpes
Herpes simplex is a common viral infection. There are 2 common sub-types, type 1 and type 2. They belong to the larger Herpes family, whose other members include the viruses that cause shingles and glandular fever.
'Don’t believe the myth about herpes that says type 1 only affects people above the waist. Giving your partner oral sex with an active cold sore can give them genital herpes. It’s the same virus, just a different location. While Herpes type 1 is the most common cause of cold sores and type 2 the most common cause of genital herpes, this is not exclusively the case.
'I therefore challenge everyone to learn more about herpes. To discuss it openly with friends and encourage those affected to join a herpes support group,' said Dr Feelgood.
How contagious is herpes?
According to Melbourne sexual health practitioner Dr Ian Denham, people with genital herpes are extremely concerned about passing it on to their partner.
'People with herpes think there is a 100 per cent probability that they will pass their condition onto someone. But if a person is taking their medication and practising safe sex, their risk of passing herpes onto another is low. It’s all about learning how to manage the condition.
'Regrettably, of the 10 per cent to 20 per cent of adults who have genital herpes, more than 75 per cent do not receive appropriate treatment because they do not realise they have the infection or have not been properly diagnosed,' said Dr Denham.
What are the symptoms of herpes?
Signs of herpes can range from blisters and sores to rashes and small cuts. Symptoms usually include itching, tingling and local pain. Because the symptoms vary significantly from person to person, herpes often goes unrecognised by both the patient and doctor.
How is herpes transmitted?
Because herpes is highly contagious, the virus may be transmitted even when those infected do not show physical signs or symptoms. The virus can be shed from the body through the skin around the genital area or saliva, even when there are no apparent symptoms. While a condom cannot offer complete protection against transmission, it should certainly be used as a precautionary measure.
Treating herpes
Although there is no cure for genital herpes, recent advances in antiviral medications can help to control symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks and viral shedding. These medications can be taken either episodically when outbreaks occur or daily as suppressive oral treatment to reduce the number of outbreaks experienced.
Those who suspect they may have the symptoms of genital herpes or are at risk of infection should see their doctor for professional advice and diagnosis.
For more information about genital herpes, join Dr Feelgood in an on-line chat session on Thursday 15 November between 7.30 and 8pm on the website www.herpes.com.au.
Last Reviewed: 09 November 2001
