(12 Sep 2001)

The theme for International Herpes Week 2001 will centre on the topics of diagnosis and getting tested. Patient advocacy groups from around the world will be conducting activities to raise awareness of genital herpes and encourage people who are concerned that they are at risk or have symptoms they are unsure of to get tested.

The aim of International Herpes Week 2001 – Herpes. Be sure. Take control. – is to raise awareness and communicate the following:

• Genital herpes is very common and can affect up to 20% of the adult population.

• Many people who are infected do not know they have genital herpes. The symptoms of genital herpes vary widely and are often not easy to recognise; some people do not experience symptoms at all. Learning to recognise the symptoms of genital herpes can help reduce your risk of acquiring and passing on the virus.

• Knowing whether or not you have genital herpes will help you take control of your health. An accurate diagnosis for herpes may help allay your fears or put you on the road to better health and protection for your partner.

• If you think you are at risk, or have symptoms you are unsure of, seek a medical diagnosis. A doctor can help you to find out whether you have genital herpes using a physical examination and, sometimes, a diagnostic test. Quick, simple and accurate diagnostic tests for herpes are now available.

• Genital herpes can be passed on easily through direct sexual contact, including oral sex when cold sores (fever blisters) are present. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) – usually type 2. However, it can also be caused by HSV type 1, the most common cause of cold sores (fever blisters). If you have an active cold sore, avoiding oral sex during this time can help protect your partner from the virus.

• Effective treatments are available to help you take control of herpes and your life.

Anyone who suspects they have symptoms of genital herpes or thinks they are at risk from the infection is urged to seek medical advice and a proper diagnosis.

We will be providing more information, including details of regional activities, as it becomes available, so keep visiting herpesalliance.org to find the latest news.