How do people cope with herpes? Can you live a full and happy life?
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Acceptance is the first step to getting on with your life. Having herpes is something you will have the rest of your life. 1 out of every 4 Americans has herpes. Most people don't even know they have it due to little or no symptoms. Your first few outbreaks may be the worst, but there are wonderful treatments out on the market to help you thru it. Valtrex is by far the most popular. You can take it just when you have an outbreak or take it daily as part of a suppressive therapy treatment. There are also topical creams to help with the itching & burning sensations you will experience.
Living a happy & full life depends on you. I personally have 4 friends in my immediate circle of friends who are dealing with this disease. All of them are living normal happy lives because they are not letting this disease control them. The sooner you accept it the sooner you can move on from the shock. It isn't easy but having a support system in place is important. Society has put such a stigma on this disease that it is sometimes hard to get past that. But having this disease has nothing to do with the type of person you are. Anyone anywhere can contract this disease and it's sad that society can make you feel dirty or ashamed for having it.
Being educated about this disease can also help someone get past the initial shock of being told they have herpes. Honesty is also important. Being honest with yourself & your partner is vital. Always remember to practice safe sex because even if you aren't having an outbreak there is still a 70% chance that you can pass it on to your partner. Herpes is not the end of the world, just a bump in the road of life!
Kami - yes you can! But you have to be careful. Always, always, always practice safe sex, even when your infection is inactive. If you are in a relationship, you MUST tell your partner.
You should also talk to your doctor about Valtrex. There are two courses of treatmen, once-daily therapy wher you take a pill every day. With this treatment, most people remain outbreak free for two or more years. The other therapy is to take the pills only during an outbreak, this will lessen the severity of the outbreak.
watch a little more t.v. and you will see an advertisement that tells you how you can live a full life with less break outs. Good luck and be safe when it comes to passing it to other people.
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