A survey to find out how people react to being told they have the virus that most commonly causes genital herpes has found that the most common feelings are surprise, disbelief, fear of rejection and worry about infecting someone else.[1]

The results, presented at the 2002 National STD Prevention Conference in San Diego, California, USA also revealed that most people – 74% – were not aware of having had symptoms, but that all – 100% – agreed that it was important to know if they have herpes.

People agreed that they would find it more difficult to tell a new partner than a current partner. More than a third of those who took part in the survey said they would use condoms to protect a partner but not necessarily tell her or him they had the infection. Just under half (44%) said they would find it easier to tell a friend about their diagnosis than to tell a partner (37%) or family member (28%).

Although only 23% of those interviewed for this study said they would attend a support group, other research [2] has found that support services can be really useful in helping to reduce fear, anxiety and negative feelings. The study also highlighted that while having genital herpes can affect quality of life when people are first diagnosed, this effect lessens over time, especially with ongoing education and support.

1. Kroeger K, Knaup R, Williams M, Stoner B. Impact of knowledge of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 serostatus on STD clinic patients. Poster 193. 2002 National STD Prevention Conference. San Diego, CA, USA

2. Sherman S, Grosshan J, Jolley L, Insights into the long-term acceptance of genital herpes: a qualitative study. Poster 191, 2002 National STD Prevention Conference. San Diego, CA, USA