Did you know that herpes affects 1 in 8 Australians? Clinically speaking, it’s an incredibly common and rarely severe skin condition, similar to a mild skin condition. Yet, there’s often unnecessary shame surrounding it.
When chatting with young people, it’s important to calm any fears, let them know how common it is, and reassure them that their sex life is definitely not over.
We’ve prepared this article to equip you with all the information you need so that you can dive into these conversations and answer young people’s questions with ease.
There’s no cure for herpes, which means there can be a lot of fear and worry if someone has symptoms or has been diagnosed, especially if they have been diagnosed with genital herpes. They might be worried about what it means for them, their sexual health, and their future.
As Play Safe’s sexual health nurse, Nurse Nettie, says, this worry is not usually about the infection itself but about the misinformation surrounding it.
“Most people have herpes,” says Nurse Nettie. “So why do we act like it’s shameful? From a medical perspective, herpes is an incredibly common and rarely severe skin condition, nothing more! We tend to hear and read about the worst-case scenarios, but in reality, for most people, it’s so mild they don’t even realise they have it.”
If the young person you’re speaking to is concerned, take the time to reinforce this with them and you can also direct them to Nurse Nettie for more information.
Before we start delving into the most common myths around herpes — which will help you with any discussions with young people — let’s take a quick look at exactly what herpes is:
There’s no cure for herpes, but even if someone is diagnosed, they can continue having a healthy and active sex life with the right precautions.
Many people with herpes show no symptoms and live their whole lives not knowing they have it. For those with symptoms, it usually starts with tingling or itching, followed by painful blisters or ulcers on the genitals, mouth, or anus. Symptoms last up to two weeks, but in more severe cases, they can last longer and be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, fatigue, fever and headache.
Statistics show that around 75 in every 100 Australian adults have been infected with HSV1, and around 12 in 100 have HSV2.
Herpes is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, vaginal, or anal sex, non-penetrative genital-to-genital contact, rimming, and kissing. The virus is most contagious when symptoms are present, but it can also be passed on asymptomatically (when no symptoms are showing).
Using a condom or dental dam is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting herpes. It’s also important to let young people know to avoid any sexual contact with someone who has symptoms and remind them that regular STI testing and condom use is the best way to stay protected from all STIs.
When chatting with young people about herpes — or any STI — always use age-appropriate language, actively listen to and validate their concerns, and address them honestly. Keep explanations clear and free from medical jargon.
Most importantly, emphasise that an STI diagnosis is not a source of shame and that treatment and management options are available. Remember, you can send them over to Nurse Nettie for more information on their specific situation.
We’ve done some digging, and the myths below are the most common when it comes to herpes. You’ll know some of this already now, but by equipping yourself with the answers, you’ll be ready for any questions young people might have.
Myth. Herpes is one of the most common STIs in Australia, impacting 1 in 8 Aussies. A lot of people don’t know they have it, as they never show any symptoms. Anyone who has had sex (including non-penetrative sex) can contract herpes.
Myth. A lot of people who have herpes have no idea they have the virus because they have no symptoms. If someone does have visible lesions, it’s often referred to as an ‘outbreak’ and it’s best to avoid all sexual contact during this time.
Myth. Herpes isn’t part of a routine STI screening in Australia. However, if someone displays symptoms, a doctor can perform a herpes test by taking a swab from the ulcer or blister.
Myth. Lots of people who have herpes go on to have healthy and happy sex lives, with the right management techniques in place.That includes using condoms, avoiding sexual contact during any outbreaks, and taking antiviral medications (if recommended by a doctor) to minimise symptoms and transmission.The important thing is for young people to understand what herpes means and to be able to talk to their partners about it with confidence.
Myth. Herpes is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, which can include penetrative sex but can also include oral sex, rimming, kissing, or other activities where there is skin-to-skin contact between genital and/or oral regions.
Myth. Someone might have had herpes for years but never had any visible symptoms. So if they get symptoms whilst they’re in a monogamous relationship this does not necessarily mean that they’ve had sexual contact with someone else. Additionally, herpes does not transmit 100% of the time. So, it’s possible to have a long-term partner who has herpes and for the infection never to be transmitted to a partner.
So there you have it. Armed with this knowledge, you’re well-prepared to tackle conversations about herpes with confidence. Remember, herpes is a common condition, and there’s no need for unnecessary shame.
By dispelling myths and providing accurate information, you’re not only empowering young people but also contributing to a healthier, more informed community.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into this topic, these additional resources can help:
