Allan Hall

Dating and STD Information

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The Unique Challenges of Sheltering-in-Place with your Partner During COVID-19

During COVID-19, partners may be quickly moving in together to shelter-in-place. Some of these relationships are as fresh as new matches, and some as familiar as life-long partners. Moving in together may be the best option for partners given their social, mental, physical, or financial needs. Plus, sharing household chores, possibly saving some money, and having your partner as a quarantine buddy are some great perks!

COVID-19 has certainly accelerated some timelines though. While some relationships may have been discussing moving in together for a while now, many partners had to act within a couple of days. This quick timeframe may not have given you and your partner much room to set boundaries, define expectations, or discuss any potential relationship obstacles that might occur during the move in process. Moving in with a romantic partner is a significant step in any relationship. Even outside of a global pandemic, this brings about questions, concerns, opportunities to grow, and a new knowledge of your partner.

We know that any large-scale traumatic event, like natural disasters and COVID-19, can place survivors at a higher risk of relationship abuse, so it’s important to recognize some of the challenges and particular concerns of quarantine-cohabitation that could escalate abusive behaviors in unhealthy relationships.

Usual Challenges

What makes moving in together challenging? Most challenges arise from the increased amount of time you spend with your partner when you live together. While you may be use to spending days or weekends together, those pockets of intentional time may not accurately represent how you act when you’re not around each other. Here are a few examples of more usual challenges:

When cohabiting, couples now spend every day together! The increased time spent together may reveal conflicts in partners’ habits, schedules, and priorities. You get a full, 360-degree view of your partner, which can be an exciting new adventure, but, for some, this may display signs of a larger issue.

Moving in together may mean different things to different people. Traditionally, living together is a sign of further commitment to the relationship. This assumption may lead to uneven or unrealistic expectations surrounding gender-roles, or consent. 

One partner may believe that moving in together and sharing more physical space equates to sharing more physical intimacy. It is never ok to assume consent of another person, whether that be across physical or emotional boundaries. A healthy relationship creates a space in which partners feel comfortable communicating boundaries and trusts that the other person will respect them.

Another challenge when moving in with a partner is creating a shared ownership of the space. Unfair allocation of space without much discussion can foster perceived inequality in the relationship and create uneven power dynamics in unhealthy relationships. If you feel like a guest in your shared home, it may be hard to have a sense of responsibility, individual space, or ownership in household chores or decisions. The unequal balance of power could also magnify one partner contributing more to the rent payments, which may create financial conflict or abuse. It’s important to recognize that cohabitation means co-ownership of the space and shared responsibility.

A healthy relationship communicates their concerns about feelings of ownership, individual space, chores, and finances honestly and respectfully. This communication is key both before and after moving in together.

Quarantine Challenges

If the usual cohabitation challenges weren’t enough, now we have to learn how to navigate them in the midst of a global pandemic. An overarching relationship concern during COVID-19 can include the general anxiety surrounding health and uncertainty. Here are some examples:

Not only do partners spend more time together, sheltering-in-place may mean they are spending all their time together.

Financial concerns may now include sudden changes in workloads or employment status. For example, the switch to remote-work may increase a couple’s time together — even more than typical cohabiting partners.

Alternatively, one (or more) partner(s) may be part of the essential workforce or lost their job, which could bring about a new set of anxieties surrounding health, incompatible work-schedules, hygiene, and more.

Support systems may have moved almost entirely online through social media platforms, video chat, and phone calls.

Usual social interactions have decreased or stopped entirely. This lack of casual person-to-person interaction may increase co-dependency in the relationship.

Isolation is one of the strongest tools in an abusive relationship. The unhealthy or abusive partner may use living together during quarantine as a way to monitor and prevent their partner’s social interactions.

Unprecedented life changes due to COVID-19 may have introduced some sticking points like heightened anxiety, online social support systems, and varying financial challenges. Therefore, it is important to be to discuss any concerns and create plans for resolution with your partner. Further, it is important to know the warning signs of abuse in quarantine-cohabitation to ensure your safety in the situation.

If you feel uncomfortable discussing these topics with your partner, see any warning signs of abuse in your relationship, or have any further questions, our Advocates are always available to help. Call 1-866-331-9474 or TTY 1-866-331-8453, text “LOVEIS” to 1-866-331-9474, or click the “Chat Now” button at the top of the screen to discuss any questions or concerns.

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The #1Thing we did for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 2020

Wow, what an incredible month! This month we brought awareness to many aspects of teen dating abuse, from the types of abuse, to what a healthy relationship looks like, to what you can to help. We want to thank every individual person and organization who participated in TDVAM. Thank you for helping to shed light on the important issue of teen dating violence.

Week 1: Abuse Defined

This first week in February, we mainly focused on what abuse was, how we defined it, and the possible warning signs and red flags that abuse is happening in a relationship. We started the week with some posts defining dating abuse, and what the line between healthy and unhealthy behaviors looked like. All relationships exist on a spectrum from healthy to abusive, with unhealthy somewhere in the middle. We helped define where the lines between the three are.

In the middle of the week, we had a poll about the warning signs of abuse. We asked:

Which of the following is NOT a warning sign of abuse? You can learn what the answer was and why on our blog. We also posted about the importance of abuse in LGTBQ+ relationships. LGBTQ+ people experience dating abuse at the same rates, and in similar ways, that heterosexual couples do.

Last in the week, a member of our Training Team took over our Instagram stories to help educate everyone about the many different types of abuse and the warning signs of abuse. We also covered how a relationship can still be abusive, even without physical violence. One common example of this is verbal/emotional abuse.

Week 2: Respect Week

Respect Week is held during the second week in February, and it’s where we make the most noise in bringing awareness to teen dating abuse. We themed everything in this week about, RESPECT. We started the week with respect for boundaries, both physical and emotional, and how to set them. We also hosted a webinar the same day as our Respect Announcement, in preparation for Wear Orange day on February 11th. Wear Orange Day is the day everyone wears orange to spread awareness of the incredibly important issue of teen dating violence. We partnered with the One Love Foundation to collectively post about this important awareness day and encouraged other individuals and organizations to participate.

In the middle of the week, we encouraged everyone to respect themselves by practicing some much-needed self-care. Everyone needs self-care, and it is especially important for those who are recovering from the trauma of abuse to practice it as well. We also hosted a Facebook Live AMA (Ask Me Anything) with two of our Advocates on February 13th. They answered many important questions that they hear both on the lines and through our live chat during the stream. You can still view this Facebook live on our Facebook Page or below:

Welcome to loveisrespect’s TDVAM 2020 Healthy Relationships AMA! Comment in the live chat section to ask the Advocates a question. We’ll try to get to everyone’s! Abusive and unhealthy relationships are defined and explained often, but what does a HEALTHY relationship look like? Like and follow our page to learn more about healthy relationships!

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TDVAM Poll 2 Answer

Q: Which of the following stories do you think is abusive?

a. I like to text my partner a lot. I like to know where they are all the time, what they are doing, who they are with, and they HAVE to respond to me quickly, otherwise, I get nervous they are cheating on me with someone else.

b. I like to sext with my partner sometimes. We both consent to it, and we send a few during a time that’s ok with us both. I think it’s great!

c. I like to read my partner’s DMs on their Instagram. I have access to all their social media passwords because I told them they can trust me, and now I can trust them too. Sometimes I tell them to block certain people because they seem weird or creepy.

d. Both A and C

The correct answer was d. Both A and C.

The story of choice A. “I like to text my partner a lot. I like to know where they are all the time, what they are doing, who they are with, and they HAVE to respond to me quickly, otherwise, I get nervous they are cheating on me with someone else,” is considered abusive for a few reasons.

The most prominent type of abuse in this situation is digital abuse. Digital abuse is the use of technologies, such as texting and social networking, to bully, harass, stalk, or intimidate a partner. Texting them excessively and requiring them to respond immediately is abusive. Not only is it irritating, but it’s controlling the victim when their partner isn’t even with them. Keeping in touch with your significant other throughout the day can be thoughtful if both parties like it, but one party requiring constant contact from the other is a sign of controlling behavior. Monitoring who they are with, where they are, and what they are doing is not just abusive, but can even be considered stalking.

The story of choice C. “I like to read my partner’s DMs on their Instagram. I have access to all their social media passwords because I told them they can trust me, and now I can trust them too. Sometimes I tell them to block certain people because they seem weird or creepy,” is another form of digital abuse.

Having access to personal and private passwords is a controlling behavior that is often confused with trust. Trusting someone means that you think they are reliable, that you have confidence in them, and that you feel safe with them, both physically and emotionally. Trust is something that two people in a relationship build together. You can’t demand or prove trust. Controlling who your partner talks to and what they do on social media is an abusive behavior, and passwords should always remain private if you want them to be.

The one story that isn’t abusive, is B. “I like to sext with my partner sometimes. We both consent to it, and we send a few during a time that’s ok with us both. I think it’s great!”

Sexting is usually fine between partners as long as both parties are consenting. Consent is openly communicating and agreeing on what kind of activity they want to engage in. If you feel forced to send explicit photos, receive them, or if you sexted privately with your partner and they are breaking your trust by threatening to share your photos or texts, it is a sign of abuse. You have the right to choose whether or not you want to engage in any kind of sexual activity, and that includes sexting with your partner.

If you feel like any of these behaviors worry you about your own relationship or have questions about your relationship, you can always reach out to an Advocate. They are available 24/7/365 anytime and provide you with non-judgmental, free support. Reach out by calling 1-866-331-9474, 1-866-331-8453 TTY, text LOVEIS (capitalization doesn’t matter) to 22522, or chat online at www.loveisrespect.org. You are not alone!

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TDVAM Poll 1 Answer

Q: Which of the following is NOT a warning sign of abuse?

a. Your partner gets very jealous of your friends or family for spending time with you.

b. Your partner didn’t tell you that they were going out with friends.

c. Your partner always checks your phone, social media, or emails.

d. Your partner pressures you to have sex, or makes you feel bad if you don’t say “yes.”

The correct answer was b. Your partner didn’t tell you that they were going out.

While this behavior could be an unhealthy behavior, it’s not quite abusive. It is unhealthy because it shows a lack of communication between partners. It can be a concerning behavior if you both made plans to do something, and then they left without communicating. Lack of communication can be fixed and talked about in a relationship, while it would be an abusive behavior if the communication from the abusive partner was harmful, demeaning, threatening, or accusing.

Your partner getting very jealous of your friends and family is a warning sign of abuse because everyone should be able to hang out with whoever they want, without their partner getting mad, upset, or jealous. It’s good to spend time together in a relationship, of course, but it’s also alright to spend time apart too.

Your partner always checking your phone, social media, or emails is a warning sign of abuse, because it is a controlling behavior. Abuse is about an abuser seeking power and control over their partner, so if your partner has your passwords to your phone, email, and/or social media, they may be controlling who you talk to, what you post, or what you send. Everyone deserves the right to not only their privacy in general but to their digital privacy too.

Your partner pressuring you to have sex, or making you feel bad if you don’t say “yes” to sex is a warning sign of abuse because your partner is controlling or trying to control your actions. You don’t owe anybody sex. Sex should be willing, mutual, and conscious, and, most importantly, with consent. You don’t have to have sex if you are not ready.

If you feel like any of these behaviors worry you about your own relationship or have questions about your relationship, you can always reach out to an Advocate. They are available 24/7/365 anytime and provide you with non-judgmental, free support. Reach out by calling 1-866-331-9474, 1-866-331-8453 TTY, text LOVEIS (capitalization doesn’t matter) to 22522, or chat online at www.loveisrespect.org. You are not alone!

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The What, Why, and How of TDVAM

Dating abuse is a pattern of destructive behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner. While we define dating violence as a pattern, that doesn’t mean the first instance of abuse is not dating violence. It just recognizes that dating violence usually involves a series of abusive behaviors of a course of time.

Teen dating violence is more common than many people think. One in three teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. And nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors.

Every February here at loveisrespect, we bring awareness to teen dating violence in an effort to stop dating abuse before it starts.

What is TDVAM?

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) is held throughout the month of February as a way to bring together teens and those who support them in a national effort to raise awareness to teen dating violence. Organizations and schools across the country organize efforts to raise awareness every February, creating a movement of passionate, informed individuals making a difference.

Why TDVAM?

Every year, we try to think of a new way to build solidarity and support around teen dating abuse. This year, our theme is #1Thing.

Pronounced “One Thing” or “Hashtag One Thing,” this campaign is focused on meeting teens where they are at. By learning one thing about teen dating violence and sharing that with a friend, every person can make a difference. We’re starting at square one together to build healthy relationships from the ground up. By just learning or doing one thing, you can start a conversation about healthy relationships in your friend circles, schools, and communities. Everyone has a part in ending dating abuse, even if that one thing seems small in the moment.

With so many people speaking in one unified voice during the month of February about teen dating violence, this raises our collective awareness about this critical issue. Only through collaboration will it be possible to stop teen dating abuse.

How do I get involved during TDVAM?

We encourage everyone to get involved and help raise awareness. We recognize the power that each one of us has in making a difference. You can visit our landing page to get access to our action guides for ideas on how to get started!

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, tag us in your post, and use the hashtags #1Thing and #TDVAM to show us your #1Thing that will raise awareness about teen dating violence.

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Self-Care Checklist

Excerpted from The Happy Healthy Nonprofit: Impact with Burnout by Beth Kanter and Aliza Sherman Copyright 2016 Wiley http://bit.ly/happyhealthynpbook 

Self-care is incredibly important for all our individual health, but not everyone knows what is or how to start. One first step to take is to start a self-care checklist! You can customize your own self-care plan to fit your own needs and personality.

Use the time you spend going through the list below to highlight actions that resonate with you to include in your self-care plan. You can assemble a mix of things you can do in the morning, throughout the day, and at night.

How to use the checklist:

As you go through the list, mark the practices that you really want to do with a star. Sometimes, it can be easier to start with things you are motivated to do rather than the “must do’s.” You’ve got to start somewhere!

Remember: These are all suggestions, and there can be some activities that you may not be able to or have the capacity to do. Just do what you can and whatever makes you the most comfortable.

Rating for Frequency (how often you practice each self-care habit):

3= I practice this self-care habit daily or almost daily

2= I practice this self-care habit occasionally

1= I practice this self-care habit once in a while

0= I never do this

Sphere 1: Relationship to Self

How you relate to and take care of yourself makes up your first sphere. Without prioritizing self-care, all other spheres can fall apart. Here are ways you can attend to your personal well-being.

_Seek medical care when needed and able

_Get enough sleep

_Eat healthy food

_Attend to personal hygiene

_Wear clothing I like

_Exercise or a physical activity

_Take a walk through nature

_Play a sport

_Have a spa day

_Take deep breaths during the day

_Take a nap

_Don’t put too much to do on my plate

_Take a mini vacation or weekend trip

_Go for a drive with no destination in mind

_Make time for self-reflection

_Watch a movie or TV show I love

_Make time to do needed chores

_Read a book

_Do something new or that I’m not an expert in

_Listen to music

_Solve a puzzle or brain exercise

_Set boundaries with toxic or negative people

_Give myself positive affirmations

_Allow myself to cry

_Keep a journal

_Meditate

_Try an artistic activity

Sphere 2: Relationship to Others

Your relationship to family, friends, and acquaintances offline and online makes up your second sphere. In life and at work, you cannot avoid interacting with others. Your behaviors, habits and well-being impact and influence others, and the reverse are true as well. Here are ways you can attend to your relationships.

_Schedule dates with my partner or spouse

_Schedule activities to do with my children

_Schedule time with my family

_Schedule time with my pets

_Stay in contact with friends near and far

_Stay in contact with important people in my life

_Ask for help if I need it

_Allow friends to do things for me if they want _Schedule time with a friend

Sphere 3: Relationship to Environment

The environment around you makes up your third sphere. Environment is a major force in your life, but you may not be aware of it tremendous effect on you every day. While you may not be able to significantly change your environment, you can make small changes, like those listed below, to create a cleaner, safer space for yourself to improve your health and well-being.

_Declutter my home

_Declutter my desk

_Clean something in my home I’ve avoided cleaning

_Add plants to my home or office

_Start a garden

_Use an aromatherapy diffuser (Be cautious of allergies)

_Take a different route to work

_Ride a bike

_Visit a park or zoo

Sphere 4: Relationship to Work and Money

Your fourth sphere takes up a lot of your time and attention and can cause stress when you don’t have good boundaries and emotions around work and money. Caring for your work relationships, and caring for yourself while at work can vastly enhance your wellbeing.

_Take a lunch break away from my desk

_Take time to chat with co-workers

_Make quiet time to complete tasks

_Get help from co-workers or boss when needed

_Have a system for effectively managing time and workload

_Set limits with clients, colleagues, and co-workers

_Arrange my workspace

_Take vacation time when earned

_Have a professional peer group from which to get support or inspiration

_Strive to juggle work, family, and personal activities

_See a financial advisor to map out a financial plan

_Open a savings account

_Bring lunch to work

Sphere 5: Relationship to Technology

Navigating the new sphere of your relationship with your technology can be challenging because you may already have developed bad habits around your tech. Here are some ways to implement tech wellness.

_Take technology breaks when needed

_Unplug from work email and social media for an evening or weekend

_Don’t check work email or social media first thing in the morning and/or right before bed

_Take breaks from the computer for stretching and moving around

_Get a standing desk

_Get a glare shield for my computer screen

_Unfriend negative people from my social media feeds

_Unsubscribe from email newsletters

_Use an app to track my habits, how often I check my phone, or how often I move around

Now that you’ve gone through the ideas in this list, try out the ones you want first, then what you think you need to do!

You can also take our “Do you think you’re practicing good self-care” quiz here. To be in a healthy relationship, we need time for ourselves and our own interests, but even when we’re single, our work or school schedules can get in the way of us truly taking the best care of ourselves. Just remember to do what you can, and do what makes you the happiest.

If you need some help with creating this plan or have any questions about self-care or your relationship, reach out to one of our Advocates. They are available 24/7/365 and completely confidential. You can call 1-866-331-9474 or 1-866-331-8453 TTY, text LOVEIS to 22522, or chat online by clicking the “Chat Now” button above.

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Childhood Trauma is No Excuse for Abusive Behavior

by Bri & Nicole, loveisrespect advocates 

Here at loveisrespect, we often talk with people who are experiencing abuse in their relationship, and they want to determine why their partner is being abusive towards them. Sometimes this search for “why” leads them to believing that their partner is abusive because they experienced child abuse or went through some other form of trauma in their past.  

It is natural to want to find an explanation for why someone is harming you, and we’d like to provide some clarity on this topic. Although child abuse and trauma can have distressing lifelong effects, this does not cause someone to abuse their partner later in life. Surviving child abuse or witnessing domestic violence as a child does not ultimately determine that someone will become an abuser themselves. A partner who is using their past to justify their choice to abuse is making excuses and failing to take accountability for their actions. Unfortunately, it is common for abusive partners to redirect blame and responsibility from themselves, onto their partner. Its important to know that this is never acceptable. Redirecting the “reason” for abuse is something we consider gaslighting, which is a form of emotional abuse.  

We do know that childhood trauma can affect a person’s mental health, especially if they haven’t reached out for treatment- but of all the life impacts of child abuse listed on Childhelp.org, intimate partner violence is not one of them. Abuse stems from a toxic mindset of wanting power and control over a partner. Many people who experience trauma or abuse in their childhood grow up to be healthy, respectful partners in their romantic relationships. Abuse is a choice, not something that is caused by someone experiencing child abuse.  

If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship…  

To start, please know that abuse is not something you deserve to go through, and your partner’s past does not justify their current choice to hurt you. Having an abusive partner can certainly take a toll on your mental and physical health. Many victims and survivors of relationship abuse find it helpful to seek out counseling. It can also be beneficial to practice some intentional self-care, even if it’s as simple as getting enough sleep at night, eating full meals, or going for a walk. Journaling is another powerful activity that can allow you to process the abuse and provide a therapeutic way to document what is happening. If you do choose to journal about the abuse as a way to record the details for evidence, be sure to keep this documentation in a safe place that your partner is not likely to find.  

Another way to prioritize your self-care is to consider a safety plan. This involves thinking of creative ways to try to stay as physically and emotionally safe as possible. Safety planning tries to anticipate the abuse and prepares a plan for what you’ll do when things escalate. If you need help creating a safety plan for yourself, try working through our interactive guide or reach out to one of our advocates via phone [phone]), chat, or text (loveis to 22522). Breathe and try to be as gentle and patient with yourself as possible, because abuse is a challenging thing to survive. Remember you are so incredibly strong and there is support for you 24/7.  

If you are concerned that your childhood trauma is negatively impacting your relationship… 

You’ve taken a big first step by being reflective about this and seeking more information. Know that your trauma and feelings are completely valid, and you are not alone in feeling the effects of past trauma on your life. That said, both you and your partner deserve to have a healthy relationship filled with trust, respect, equality, and open communication. A relationship with these elements is fulfilling and rewarding for both partners, and it’s important to remember that having a healthy relationship is a choice that both partners must make.  

Our earliest caregiver relationships have great impact on how we think people will treat us as we grow. If you couldn’t rely on your parents or caregivers to provide you with physical and emotional safety, it’s understandable that you might fear others will do the same. The closeness and intimacy that romantic relationships entail can remind of us those early caregiver relationships and, in turn, make our fears associated with that trauma particularly strong. These feelings are valid, and you deserve a safe space to process them and work on healing from the trauma of the past. Once that happens, you may find that it’s easier to choose healthy behaviors in your relationship.  

You’re not alone if you’ve attempted to protect yourself from having painful experiences similar to your childhood by choosing unhealthy behaviors. Perhaps you find that you’re always wanting to know where your partner is, you are checking up on them constantly, or maybe you are pressuring and coercing them to not spend time with certain people. While it may be easy to link the reason behind your behaviors to your insecurities caused by childhood trauma, none of these behaviors are healthy or fair to your partner and behaving in these ways will not allow you to process or work through your trauma. It is important to remember that behaviors are choices and how you choose to behave is not something that is outside your control, regardless of past experiences.  

Many times, behaviors and feelings get a bit mixed up. Feelings- whether tied to previous trauma or not- are not something we have control over; they are a natural human reaction to experiences. We do have control over the behaviors we choose in response to those feelings and experiences. Sometimes, choosing unhealthy or abusive behaviors as a response to hurt feelings becomes so second nature that it feels like an automatic reaction that is outside of our control- but it’s not. If this is something you are doing, a great first step to changing is to see that there is a difference between feelings and behaviors, and reactions and responses. This is just a first step though. If you’ve escalated your behaviors to an abusive level, it’s going to be important to take further steps to prioritize your partner’s safety. This may involve taking a break or ending the relationship, which will allow your partner to stay safe and can be helpful for you since it gives you the time and ability to concentrate on the long-term steps necessary for healing from childhood trauma. 

Healing and changing into a healthier person/partner often requires in-depth support from a counselor who is experienced in working through trauma and, ideally, also familiar with the spectrum of unhealthy and abusive behavior in romantic relationships. If you’re ready to work on healing, you can use GoodTherapy to locate counselors in your area. Additionally, we recommend exploring some of the research by Lundy Bancroft on changing abusive behavior. Also, know that you can reach out to a loveisrespect advocate anytime, if you have concerns about the healthiness of your romantic relationship. We are here 24/7 via phone [phone]), online chat, and text (loveis to 22522).  

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Herpes: Not As Bad, And Herpes Is Common!

The following post Herpes: Not As Bad, And Herpes Is Common! was first seen on: Herpes Meet Positives Blog

Herpes Is Very Common, and Not As Bad As You Think

Herpes is a generic name given to viral diseases caused by herpes simplex virus and the most common types are oral herpes and genital herpes. The former is characterized by blisters on the lips and facial area, while the latter manifests in itchy sores on genital areas which may be painful. This disease is however less potent and if the individual does not suffer from any other immune suppressing infections, they can live with herpes for a lifetime without any frightening concerns. Herpes is one of the oldest viral diseases whose treatment is still unknown and a majority of the world population suffers this condition. Due to its weak potency, herpes may be considered a skin condition rather than a fatal STD.

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Symptoms of Herpes Infection

Detecting symptoms at early stages is very unlikely and may require a laboratory test. Mature herpes will however show signs, although these symptoms can also be caused by other infections other than herpes. They include blisters on the upper and lower lips and on the face for oral herpes. These blisters will resemble fever or cold sores and usually last 2 to 21 days before drying and disappearing. Recurrent appearance may take place from time to time. Genital herpes, which is mostly feared, will cause rushes and sores on the genitals and surrounding area. These sores are usually very itchy and repeated scratching increases inflammation on the skin and causes pain. Other symptoms may infect the hands and severe infections include damages to the eye or invasion of the nervous system and brain damage. However, most people are asymptomatic and no physical sign is likely to be noticed. The individual can live with herpes virus for a lifetime without any major damage if they maintain healthy lifestyles. Symptoms are more common in people with suppressed immunes including transplant recipients, newborns and HIV infected persons. The latter are more prone to escalated conditions of this disease.

Transmission

Herpes is classified as a STD (sexually transmitted disease) and will be spread to the other during unprotected intercourse. The stigma associated with STDs is accredited to the fear many people express for herpes even though this disease merely equals an unpleasant skin condition. It is common and many others live with herpes. There however exist other means of transmission since it involves bodily fluids. Direct contact with the body fluids or lesion of an infected person may result in infection. Skin-to-skin transmissions have also been identified although this mostly takes place during asymptomatic shedding. Once the virus enters the body, it multiplies producing numerous particles in the nerve cell. These new viruses are carried along the neuron axon to nerve terminals found in the skin. They are then disposed which results in the skin symptoms such as blisters, rushes and itchiness on the skin. The body often reacts to this attack by producing antibodies of the specific virus which eliminates possibilities of infection in other areas. This also prevents repeated infections of the same virus type. The frequency of activity will often reduce although recurrent symptoms may feature from time to time. This is mostly triggered by immune suppressing drugs.

Experts Take

Professional doctors who major in STDs and immune responses have studied the herpes virus for a long time. Their opinion is that herpes is one of the lowest ranked STD and those infected should not have any worries of major damages or reduced abilities. Symptoms can be reduced and suppressed almost to elimination with no related effects on the body. H. Hunter (MD), a clinical medicine professor (University of Washington) and a recognized STD expert shares his concerns on the herpes topic. He does not understand why many people fear herpes when a significant percentage of the population is living comfortably with the infection, and possibly unaware of it. He compares the herpes disease to fever and cold which affect many people, but no one reacts as emotional as with herpes. Those who already have the virus can not suffer recurrent outbreaks says Jeanne Marrazzo (MD), STD specialist (University of Washington). He further describes that most people fear recurrent symptoms which used to be a distress. Current developments however offer new solutions to ensure the virus is not symptomatic and reduces the damages caused.

Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment

Herpes can be diagnosed through laboratory tests done on the bodily fluids, mostly blood. There is no form of vaccination or cure available for this disease. One can only reduce the chances of contracting it by using barrier protections such as condoms during intercourse. There is also a long range of antiviral drugs that are used to reduce the intensity of symptoms and their duration as well as the frequency of subsequent outbreaks. Favmir is one example of approved one-day treatment for herpes introduced in July 2006. Using anti-herpes drugs reduce the chances for transmission. This combined with condoms will significantly limit the chances of spreading the virus to others since it reduces transmissions through parts where condoms do not cover. Other forms of prevention include examining your partner’s genital area to identify existence of any sign. Most transmissions occur in asymptomatic outbreaks and protection barriers are still highly recommended as with any other STD prevention. Traditional methods of reducing symptoms included taking sitz baths. Although this is still available, most doctors recommend antiviral and anti-herpes drugs.

Conclusion

Herpes has existed for ages and many people live with the virus without any fatal damages. Contracting this disease should therefore evoke no worries or tensions as managing herpes is quite easy. Once the symptoms and signs have been identified, it is important to seek prompt advice from professional STD specialists on the type of medication needed. Although there is no available treatment, herpes symptoms can be reduced, same as its effects on the body systems. Healthy living should also be practiced to ensure the immune system remains optimum. Precautions such as using protection during intercourse and taking anti-herpes drugs will also ensure other classifications of the virus are not contracted. If all these are practiced, infected persons can live naturally to old age without experiencing the severity that includes brain damage as this is often a result of negligence. Herpes in incurable but not fatal if well managed.

"Why Herpes Isn't as Bad as You May Think (and a Lot More Common)" Health Magazine, n.d. 9 Jun. 2014

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Rational Vaccine Inc

The following blog post Rational Vaccine Inc is courtesy of: www.herpes.meetpositives.com

If you are like many HSV1 and HSV2 sufferers, a cure or even honest talk of a cure are long overdue.   Herpes or genital herpes symptoms are horrible, not the physical ones but the emotional symptoms leave most victims feeling low, lonely and even dirty.  HSV is a silent epidemic impacting new victims every year.  Just recently the WHO (World Health Organization) released an article stating that as much as 2/3 of the world's population is HSV positives and with the recent trend of "hook-ups" millennials are expected to skyrocket the ever growing epidemic.

So what can a sexually active person do to protect themselves from HSV?  Unfortunately condoms are no guarantee but they will help protect you from HIV and that in itself is well worth the little extra effort.

Fortunately for HSV victims Rational Vaccine has possibly cracked the HSV vaccine mystery, though it is not a cure, there is good idea that one is coming soon.

Here is more information about Rational Vaccine Inc which first appeared on  liveherpesvaccine.com  in it's article  Herpes Vaccine Research 

March 12, 2016

I apologize to blog followers for the relative radio silence.   In the next two weeks, I hope to put up a few posts to update blog followers on where my attention has been focused the past year.  Many people have asked “How can I help?” or have offered to launch their own efforts for “crowd funding” of my HSV-2 vaccine research.  I have chosen a different path to monetize the path forward for a HSV-2 vaccine and those plans involve selling new products to meet the underserved needs of patients who are daily impacted by HSV-1 and HSV-2.

I have joined forces with some business-minded individuals to form Rational Vaccines (RVx), Inc. in April 2015, and we raised about three-quarters of a million dollars last year for the purpose of starting an initially herpes-focused company.  RVx’s goal is to start offering real solutions to herpes sufferers today.  Our products will serve the needs of tens of millions of people who suffer with HSV-1 and HSV-2 herpetic diseases, and the many complications of potential exposures that require diagnostic testing.  While genital herpes will be a major focus, RVx’s ultimate goal is to prevent all forms of herpetic disease including oral herpes, herpes-induced neuralgia, ocular herpes, neonatal herpes, and herpes encephalitis.

RVx anticipates that our company’s website will be live by Summer 2016.  In the interim, the most concrete thing blog followers and their contacts can do, today, to show support for RVx’s efforts is offer our investors a better idea of the scope of the hidden demand for our products.  If you would personally consider purchasing one or more of the products described below, then please sign up for the relevant waiting list below.  Sending an email does not obligate you to a later purchase, and likewise does not obligate you to participate in a clinical trial.

It would greatly help if, in those emails, you would use your real name, phone number, and a real email address where you can be reached when RVx is ready to launch the product line or clinical trial that is relevant to your inquiry.   If you can spare the time, a brief paragraph explaining your medical needs would help us better respond once our website is live.

I briefly summarize the three immediate product lines below, and I will follow this week with a post on each that outlines why I believe each stands head-and-shoulders above anything else that is being offered or discussed in the space of herpes vaccines or diagnostics.  Finally…….  real solutions for real-world problems that have gone unaddressed for too long.

Sincerely yours,

Bill Halford

Herpes victims may have to wait until there is a cure or until this vaccine is FDA cleared, until then, keep the conversation going by joining Meet Positives Herpes Support 

=====================================

The HSV-Type-Specific ABVIC Test:   [email protected]

https://liveherpesvaccine.com/2016/03/12/hsv-type-specific-abvic/

 The HSV-Type-Specific ABVIC Test represents a 100-fold better way to test for antibodies to herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) versus HSV-2.  The current standard  of care for herpes antibody testing is the HerpeSelect Test, and this test yields a 4% HSV-2 false-positive rate. That is, 4 out of every 100 people who order the HSV-2 HerpeSelect test are told they may have HSV-2, but the test results are equivoval.  In side-by-side tests with RVx’s new ABVIC test (manuscript in preparation), the HSV-Type-Specific ABVIC Test resolves >90% of these false-positive HSV-2 results.   If you or someone you know has been walking under the cloud of believing they have HSV-2 just because “a doctor-ordered test said so,” please consider ordering the HSV-Type-Specific ABVIC Test from RVx when you website goes live in Summer 2015.  In the meantime, if you with to sign up for ABVIC testing ($250 per test), then please email the following sign-up address:  [email protected].  It is anticipated that RVx will be able to make this product generally available to the public by July 2015.

===================================

Theravax‾² vaccine trials:   [email protected]

https://liveherpesvaccine.com/2016/03/12/rvx-therapeutic-hsv-2-vaccine/

2.  Theravax‾² vaccine.  RVx is planning clinical trials of our live-attenuated therapeutic HSV-2 vaccine, which the published literature indicates is about 40 – 100 times more effective than any of HSV-2 subunit type vaccines developed over the past 30 years.  If you have lived with an uncontrolled case of HSV-2 genital herpes for more than 3 years that causes more than 6 outbreaks, causes constant nerve pain, or does not respond to conventional antiviral drugs, then please consider emailing to the following sign-up address for future trials of the Theravax‾² vaccine:[email protected].   Because of the more complex regulatory guidelines surrouding vaccines, it is difficult to predict when this product would be broadly commercially available.  However, rest assured that RVx will be pursuing many paths to bring this incredibly safe and highly effective HSV-2 vaccine to market somewhere in the world as soon as possible.

================================

Profavax‾² vaccine trials:   [email protected]

3.  Profavax‾² vaccine.  Immediately upon completing therapeutic HSV-2 vaccine trials, RVx is planning clinical trials of our live-attenuated HSV-2 vaccine as a prophylactic in individuals who are in discordant relationships.  The published literature indicates that the Profavax‾² vaccine should be about 40 – 100 times more effective than any of HSV-2 subunit type vaccines that have been failing in human clinical trials over the past 30 years.  If you want to give yourself the greatest opportunity to be protected against the risk of ever contracting HSV-2 genital herpes disease, then consider emailing to the following sign-up address for future trials of the Profavax‾² vaccine: [email protected].   Because of the more complex regulatory guidelines surrounding vaccines, it is difficult to predict when this product would be broadly commercially available.  However, rest assured that RVx will be pursuing many paths to bring this incredibly safe and highly effective HSV-2 vaccine to market somewhere in the world as soon as possible.

Herpes victims may have to wait until there is a cure or until this vaccine is FDA cleared, until then, keep the conversation going by joining Meet Positives Herpes Support 

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link run

The following article link run was originally published on: Herpes Blog

https://www.456.im/get-sufficient-information-when-dating-with-herpes/

http://roswellgaatticistoohot.blogspot.com/2015/11/herpes-and-dating-every-little-thing.html/

http://bit.ly/2LuRlqh

http://bit.ly/2VWaWUc

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Acyclovir Side Effects

Acyclovir Side Effects is courtesy of: Meet Positives

Acyclovir Side Effects

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used in the treatment of different viruses including chicken pox, herpes and shingles. Though the medication can effectively treat outbreaks, it does not cure the infection. Acyclovir has been used over the years to provide treatment and though effective, it also has its side effects. It is important to understand acyclovir side effects before you start using the medication. This will prepare you physically and mentally for any of the effects.

In case you are taking the medication and notice the unwanted effects, you might want to seek medical attention immediately. This is especially the case if you are experiencing the severe side effects.

Reported Acyclovir Side Effects

Let us look at the side effects that you should pay attention to when taking Acyclovir;

Common Acyclovir Side Effects For Injections

-          Swelling, redness and pain at the area of injection

Less Common

-          Increased thirst

-          Nausea or vomiting

-          Weakness and unusual tiredness

-          Appetite loss

-          Decreased amount of urine or urination frequency

-          Stomach or abdominal pain

Rare Side effects

-          Bloody stool or urine

-          Hives

-          Trembling

-          Chills, sore, throat or fever

-          Unusual bruising or bleeding

-          Hallucinations

-          Confusion

-          Red spots in skin

-          Seizures

-          Black tarry stool

There are side effects of acyclovir that occur but do not necessarily require medical attention. Fortunately, these side effects might disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Your health care practitioner will be in a position to explain to you different ways to deal with these side effects. The following are some of the side effects that do not need medical attention but if they persist, you might want to talk to a health care practitioner:

Common side effects

-          Generally feeling ill or discomfort (common with high dosages)

Less Common

-          Headache

-          Diarrhea

Experienced But With An Undetermined Frequency

-          Loss of hair

-          Drowsiness

-          Tingling, prickling or burning sensation

Detailed Look At Acyclovir Side Effects

The following side effects apply to Acyclovir buccal tablet, intravenous powder used in injections, intravenous solution, oral tablet, oral suspension, oral capsule and compounding powder.

Most Reported Acyclovir Side Effects

The most common reported reactions include vomiting, headache, malaise, and diarrhea.

Gastrointestinal Reaction

Most elderly subjects have reported nausea and vomiting as frequent reactions.

About 1 to 10% of patients report abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, aphthous stomatitis, and gingival pain. Between 0.1 and 1% of patients report sore throat.

Renal Reactions

In rare cases, about 0.01 to 0.1% of patients experience blood urea nitrogen elevation, and creatinine elevation. In rare cases, less than 0.01% of patients have renal pain, and renal failure. There are some reactions with undetermined frequency involving renal impairment and crystalluria.

Renal pain mostly results from crystalluria and renal failure. In most cases, renal impairment can be reversed but when left unchecked; it might lead to renal failure.

Inflammation

Patients have reported site pain and site irritation. Some report local inflammation at areas of injection sites.  There are cases of severe local inflammations which include tissue necrosis. Buccal tablets have been found to be behind application site irritation and site pain.

Nervous system

Some of the most frequent reactions in elderly subjects include somnolence, dizziness and comas.

Common reactions in about 1 to 10% of patients include dizziness and headaches. In rare cases, below 0.01% of patients experience dysarthria, encephalopathy, convulsions, coma, and Ataxia. Other reactions with undetermined frequency include shaking, medication taste, giddiness, and taste disturbance.

Dermatology

Between 1 and 10% of patients experience pruritus, rashes, hives, and erythema. Uncommon reactions include accelerated hair loss and Urticaria.  Some reactions that have undetermined frequencies include Diaphoresis.

Cardiovascular Health

Though frequency has not yet been determined, some patients experience chest pain and palpitation.  There are postmarketing reports that indicate peripheral edema and hypotension.

Hematology

In very rare case, less than 0.01% of patients experience leucopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Cases of reactions without determined frequencies include hematologic changes.

Hepatic

Medical practitioners have reported rare cases of liver related enzymes and reversible bilirubin. In extremely rare cases, there have been reports of jaundice and hepatitis.

Hypersensitivity

There are very rare cases of anaphylaxis

Ocular

There are cases of Pars planitis though the frequency has not yet been determined.

Musculoskeletal reactions

Between 0.1 and 1% off patients experience leg pain with some cases of myalgia being reported.

Genitourinary Reactions

Though the frequency is still not determined, there are reported cases of menstrual abnormalities, dysuria, anuria, hematuria and abnormal urinalysis.

Metabolism

Though uncommon, there are reports of Anorexia and some cases of increased thirst.

Psychiatric

There are cases of hallucinations, confusion, agitation, aggressiveness, and psychosis especially in elderly patients. Reactions with undetermined frequency include insomnia and depression.

In conclusion

Taking Acyclovir will help in the treatment of infection and the symptoms they come with. However, the medication might have unwanted side effects that might make you uncomfortable. It is important to understand these reactions and side effects because you will be more prepared to handle them.

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Acyclovir

Acyclovir was originally published to: learn about herpes

Acyclovir

What Is Acyclovir?

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used in treating certain viruses.  The medication can be used in the treatment of cold sores due to herpes simplex virus, shingles resulting from herpes zoster, and chicken pox. Acyclovir is also used in the treatment of genital herpes outbreaks. The drug can also help in reducing future herpes outbreaks.

Though Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used in the treatment of herpes, it is not a cure. Even if the drug helps the body in fighting the virus in the body, the virus remains in the body.

Acyclovir works by reduction of severity of outbreaks and length. The medication helps the sores heal faster; reduces or eliminates the itching and pain, as well as prevents reduction of new sore formation. Taking the medication also reduces the chances of the herpes virus moving from one part to other areas in the body especially for people with a weak immunity. In addition, Acyclovir is also prescribed for many other virus treatments.

Using Acyclovir

It is important that you take acyclovir exactly as your doctor prescribes. The drug will come with a prescription label that should be followed. This, therefore, means that the drug should not be taken in smaller or larger amounts than what has been prescribed.

For effectiveness, it is important that you start using Acyclovir as soon as you experience the first sign of herpes outbreak symptoms such as blisters, burning, and tingling sensation.

Taking The Oral Suspension: Always shake the liquid well before you measure your dose. There will be a measuring device such as a syringe provided to make sure the measurements are accurate. Others might be medicine cups, or dose-measuring spoon. In case you do not have one, make sure you get one from your pharmacist.

Taking Acyclovir Buccal Tablet: Tablets need to be kept in their packs until you are ready to use them. Pick a tablet using dry fingers.

The buccal tablet should not be swallowed or chewed. It should be places in the mouth with the flat side facing your upper gum, behind your canine tooth and behind your lip. The tablet should be on the same side as the sore.

Keep your mouth closed as you gently press the outside part of the lip one the tablet. Hold this position for about 30 seconds. Once the tablet is in place, you should not press or touch it. The tablet will dissolve throughout the day in your mouth. It is possible to eat and drink with the tablet in place. In case your tablet does not stick well or falls off within the first 6 hours, you can place another tablet. In case you accidentally swallow the Acyclovir buccal tablet, you should drink a glass of water and place another tablet.

Important Information

You should inform your doctor as soon as you notice a change in weight. Acyclovir dosages are prescribed according to weight and any weight changes might affect the dose. When taking Acyclovir, you should also take lots of water to keep your kidneys healthy. The dosage should be followed to the end. This is because there are cases where the symptoms might end before the dosage is done. All lesions caused by herpes virus should be kept clean. Wearing lose clothing is one way to prevent irritation.

Acyclovir medication should be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Always keep medications away from the reach of children.

Learn more about Acyclovir side effects 

Acyclovir Dosage

First Episode Treatment: Prescription for the first episode involves 200 mg for every 4 hours, 5 times in a day for 10 days. This is according to manufacturer dosage. According to CDC, the dosage should be 400 mg taken orally 3 times in a day for a period between 5 and 10 days. This dosing is used for the treatment of genital herpes.

Suppression Therapy: The recommended daily suppression therapy dosage is 400 mg twice every day. There are alternative regimens ranging between 200 mg taken orally 3 times a day, to 200 mg taken orally 5 times a day.

Acyclovir Overdose

If you or anyone you know happens to overdose on Acyclovir, it is important to seek emergency medical attention immediately. You should call 911 if you notice symptoms such as trouble breathing. You should also call the local poison control center. For U.S residents, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Other notable symptoms of Acyclovir overdose include seizures, loss of consciousness, agitation, extreme tiredness, and urine amount change.

You should not share your medication with other people since the prescription is specifically made for you. The medication is for your current condition and should, therefore, not be used for a later infection.

What If I Miss My Acyclovir Dose?

So, if you miss a dose, you should take it the moment you remember. However, in case the moment you remember is close to the next dose, you should skip the missed dose and take the next one. You should not take a double dose to cover a missed dose.

Acyclovir Price

The price of acyclovir tends to vary with the drugstores. On average, the price falls between $7 and $16 for 30 tablets depending on the drugstore you are buying the drugs from. Acyclovir is the generic name of Zovirax and there are other generic tablets that might be cheaper. The most important thing is to make sure that the tablets are as effective as the originals. Talk to your doctor and ask them about the best medication for your condition.

In Conclusion

It is always a good idea to check the side effects of any medication before you start using it. There might be information that will save you a great deal of agony. This is because while some medications may have great results in dealing with the herpes infection, their side effects might be extreme for some individuals. Talk to your doctor and explain your condition as this will help them make a decision on the best medication to use for your condition.

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How To Tell Someone You Have Herpes

How To Tell Someone You Have Herpes is courtesy of: https://www.herpes.meetpositives.com/

How To Tell Someone You Have Herpes

If you are struggling to find the right words when telling your partner you have herpes, aka 'the talk', you are not alone. Below we have listed step-by-step advice to help you best understand how this difficult conversation should go.

Remember, you are doing the right thing; even though there is a chance of initial rejection, most people will appreciate your honesty.

Give them space to make their own decision. Giving space will give them a chance to think through what you told them.

Offer the facts.  Let them know there is no guarantee they will not contract HSV.  Also offer that preventative medication and absence in times of outbreak will lower their risk.

Tell your story.  Telling how you contracted HSV will make you appear honest, something most people look for in a partner.

Relax, the hard part is done.  You were honest about your sexual health.

If you can't bring yourself to telling your partner, break it off with them and reassure them they did nothing wrong.

Join Meet Positives to meet other positive singles; who knows, maybe your perfect match is just like you!

After being diagnosed with herpes, the next process is all about how the disease will affect you and the people around you. How to tell someone you have herpes is one of the main topics most people think about. The most pressing issues revolve around love life and dating.

So you meet someone you like and would like to love. You really want to be with them but then you have a bomb that needs to explode before you can live happily ever after. The herpes bomb is something most people would rather not talk about but will eventually have to. Well, you need to figure out how to tell other people you have herpes. This is something you should do in such a way that you do not scare them away.

If you are feeling uncomfortable about this topic, it is understandable. No one really wants to talk about their STD status. However, you should understand that this is not a disaster and you should do it at the right time to avoid being in a complicated position. The first thing you need to do is be comfortable with yourself. There is no way you can make other people understand you if you are not confident and courageous enough to explain all that need to be explained.

So, How Do You Tell Someone You Have Herpes?

If you have come to terms with the fact that you have herpes, things will be easier for you. If you have not yet accepted, you first need to. This is because you cannot make any important steps without acceptance. Herpes is not such a big deal and there are many people living with this STD. Being nervous is the last thing you want when telling someone you have herpes. This is because you will end up making them nervous too.

Being confident and courageous does not mean that you should be emotionless. It is okay to have feelings since we are all human. Being normal will help the other person understand you better and actually empathize with you. You need to bring it out in such a way that the other person understands that though you come with a baggage, you are still a good catch with another interesting part.

When Do I Tell Someone I Have Herpes?

The dating process is supposed to be time spent to understand each other. You will be building trust with each other and learning if you are interested in each other. Since your STD status is personal, dating is a good time to find out if you can trust the other person. If the feelings are mutual and you respect each other’s boundaries, when you tell them, they will understand.

It is a good idea to take everything slowly because you will be sure. Dating is a process of discovery. You discover yourself; you discover the other person and also discover a relationship. You do not want to be too quick because this might end something that could have been great. On the other hand, you do not want to be too slow because you might end up spoiling something that is already good. Perfect timing is crucial.

There are people who say you should talk about your herpes on the third date. Well, the perfect timing is before you decide to be exclusive and before the other person invests a lot in the relationship emotionally. Make sure they like you enough to understand your situation but not too deep to be disappointed if they feel like they cannot take the risk.

What Do You Say?

So, you have found the perfect balance between time and emotions. The circumstances are neutral and there is no disturbance or distraction around. Start by opening up and let them know that you respect them and love their company. Say you have something you want to tell them but it might come with a little awkwardness.

Under no circumstance should you start with anything about having ‘bad’ or ‘terrible’ news. You might also avoid the straight statement of ‘I have herpes’ though people do take that route. Instead, you could say something like “I test positive for antibodies for HSV type 2 which is a type of herpes”. Another route is to start by asking them if they have ever been tested for STD. This can shift the focus from you alone to both of you. You will give them the reason to get tested.

Put Things Into Perspective

You might want to put your explanation into perspective. This requires you to have ample information about herpes. Start with what herpes is; the herpes statistics, and explain how the infection affects you, or how it doesn’t. The person can lose confidence in you if they happen to ask you a question about herpes and you have no answers. To be on the safe side, you need to cover all the important elements in your explanation. Statistics such as 1 in every 4 women and 1 in 5 men in the US are living with genital herpes might be helpful.

The Transmission Issue

After you tell them about your herpes, the next thing they will be thinking about is the transmission. It is important that you address this issue when the matter is still fresh. Let them know that the risk of transmission is low especially when there are no outbreaks. Explain that using suppressive therapy can lower the risk and when used with condoms, the risk of transmission is very low.

What To Expect

Most people will be glad you opened up to them about such a personal matter. Some will tell you they don’t want to be with you while some will say they need them to think. There will be some that will not let the STD stand between the two of you and will go all the way. You need to be prepared for different outcomes. Interestingly, there might be people who will tell you they want to get tested and might actually have herpes.

Herpes Dating Sites

A herpes dating site can make things very easy for you. There are many singles living with herpes and are looking for someone like you. This takes the awkwardness out of the relationship and encourages genuine love and understanding.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you are honest with yourself and other people. This is the only way you will be truly happy.

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Herpes Support Groups

Herpes Support Groups was originally published to: Herpes information

Herpes Support Groups

So, you have been diagnosed with herpes and do not know where to start. Well, there are many medications that can be used in the treatment of herpes. Apart from the medications that will deal with the health issue, there is another way that addresses the mental stress. Herpes support groups can help deal with the emotions and the confusion you might be dealing with after being diagnosed with herpes.

Meet Positives Herpes Support Groups

Meet Positives, an STD dating site, provides a great platform for people living with herpes to meet other singles. The site is the ideal place to find a partner who will not judge you or reject you because of your STD status.

In addition to the dating platform, Meet Positives provides some of the largest online herpes support groups online. You can join the support groups and enjoy the many benefits that come with these useful groups. It is easy to join the support groups since you will be doing it online. With a few clicks, you will have a Meet Positives account and a few more clicks; you will be in a herpes support group.

The fact that the groups are online means that you only need your phone or computer and internet connection. You can spare a few minutes every day to interact with the people in the herpes support group.

Local Herpes Support Groups

Apart from the online herpes support groups, Meet Positives also provides a feature for local support groups. This means you can be in a local area group that includes people you may know. Apart from all the support and information, it also makes it easy for people who would like to date people in their local area.

Benefits of Meet Positives Herpes Support Groups

You Get To Understand You Are Not Alone

There are many people using the Meet Positives herpes support groups. You will get to feel that you are not alone and this plays an important role in building your confidence. Members meet other members who are living with herpes and the feeling of not being alone is important in their mental health.

Expression Of Feelings

Since you will feel that you are not alone, you will start feeling safe in the supportive environment. Most people start feeling safe enough to start sharing and this is a therapeutic experience. You get a nonjudgmental audience that will listen to you and encourage you for your courage and openness.

You Get Useful Information

Meet Positives herpes support groups are full of information and resources that can help you deal with your herpes. You will find coping skills and recommendations for useful books and support material that will help you live comfortably and happily despite your status.

Social Skills Improvement

There is nothing better than having confidence though you are living with herpes. In the support groups, you will learn how to speak your mind and how to talk to people about your status. With improved social skills, you will be ready to face the world and get back to dating without fear.

Stress Relief

Talking and listening to people who understand you will help you relieve stress. Part of the reason why you are stressed might be because of all that you hold inside. You can get rid of the burden that is stressing you by sharing your experiences with the members of the herpes support groups.

Helping Other People

When you share your life experiences and your experience with herpes, you will not only be helping yourself but other members too. Some people might be looking for your story to give them strength and hope.

In conclusion

It is important that you first find a group that is a good fit for you. A local herpes support group is the best way to go. These are people you can meet and will help you get through the acceptance and the coping process. Meet Positives is created to offer people living with herpes and other STDs a safe place to find love and support.

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Sex With Herpes

The article Sex With Herpes is republished from: Herpes Blog

Having Sex With Herpes

Herpes is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Its spread is a simple as one partner has herpes and another doesn’t. Any sexual contact between the two can lead to infection of the person without herpes. Vaginal sex, anal sex kissing, or oral sex can all lead to herpes infection if one partner is infected. This is why it is important to understand everything about having sex with herpes.

The herpes simplex virus can easily enter the human body through broken skin, abrasion caused by rough sex, a sore caused by other medical conditions or a cut in the mouth. It is also possible for herpes simplex virus to slip past the body’s defense mechanism especially through mucous membrane in the eyes, rectum or genitals.

Herpes has no known cure yet. Though the spread has decreased over the years, it is still possible for an infected person to spread the virus.

Sex Is Not the Only Way To Test Positive

If you get diagnosed with herpes, it does not mean that you must have got it through sexual contact. Contact with an infected person can lead to infection. At least one out of six Americans has genital herpes with many having the other eight types of herpes simplex virus.

Can I Spread Herpes Without An Outbreak

A cluster of red blistery bumps is a sign of genital or oral herpes. When first infected, they will appear within 2 to 10 days.  The sores will burst, crust then heal and come back again later. The first year will probably be full of recurrent outbreaks. The pus coming out of the sores carries millions of viruses. This means the outbreak period is the most contagious time.

Even in cases where the skin is clear and there are no sores or blisters in sight, you are still not off the hook. You might still be shedding the virus only that the virus count will be smaller. Though the count is lower, you can still spread the virus to another person. Experts say that a large percentage of infections occur during the asymptomatic periods when there are no visible symptoms.

It is important that you avoid sex before and after an outbreak. This will reduce the chances of spreading the virus to your partner.

Condoms Will Work, To A Certain Point

If you are not going through an outbreak, you should use a condom. The consistent use of condoms can significantly reduce the risk of spreading the virus by up to 30%. We all know that condoms can break and this can be risky for the uninfected person. Even in cases where the condom does not break, it might not be as effective as it is in preventing pregnancies. Any skin to skin contact involving an affected area can lead to infection.

Women Are At A Greater Risk

The fact that women have expansive mucus membranes in the vagina increases their odds of getting infected. This is especially the case when they are having sex with men. Men are known to shed the virus more than women when they are not dealing with the symptoms. The infection rate from men to women is about 10% while that of women to men stands at 4%.

Medication

Talk to a medical practitioner about the use of antiviral medication used in the suppression of the herpes virus. Also, make sure you talk about having sex with herpes because they will talk you through the safety measures. Medications such as Valtrex can be used in suppression therapy to keep the outbreaks at bay.

In Conclusion

You do not have to have a herpes outbreak to spread the virus. If you have an uninfected partner, talk to your doctor about the best measures that will help prevent spreading the virus to them. The tips above can help you on matters involving having sex with herpes and how to be safe while at it.

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Cure For Herpes

The following post Cure For Herpes was originally published on: https://herpes.meetpositives.com

Cure For Herpes Information

First, it is important to mention that oral herpes and genital herpes are not curable but are treatable. However, that will not be the case forever. There are different studies and research that are promising in making a herpes cure. These include immunotherapy and micro-RNA treatments. It is important to understand herpes cure information before you fall for the scams trying to sell herpes cures that do not work.

Why Is It Still Difficult To Cure Herpes?

Herpes has characteristics that make it difficult to cure or make a cure. However, it is possible to suppress outbreaks through suppressive therapies.

Through the treatments, you can reduce the outbreaks and the pain they cause. This can be done through conventional medication or alternative treatment. The process of developing treatments is completely different from making a cure that will completely eliminate the virus.

During the active time of herpes, the virus will hide in the nervous system cells. The infection is latent between outbreaks. Latent herpes cannot be identified by the immune system or medication. This is exactly why making the cure is a hard nut to crack. During the active period, some of the viruses will come out of hiding to wreak havoc. As long as there is some virus still hiding, a treatment that can lead to curing remains impossible.

Do We Expect A Herpes Cure?

There is a lot of research in its early days. That does not mean that we should stop being hopeful. It is important to note that it takes years to go from a solution in the lab to a safe cure that can be used by humans. Also, not all the cures made in labs will work perfectly for everyone. We can definitely expect to have a cure in future because there are scientists working around the clock trying to develop a cure that will work for humans without causing bigger problems.

Is It True That There Is No Herpes Cure Anywhere In The World?

If you search for herpes cure online, you will get hundreds of thousands if not millions of results. Most people get frustrated when they learn that there is no cure since the information online leads them to believe that there is a herpes cure. Many people are convinced that the cure is being hidden from them and that their doctors do not know about it.

The main reason behind such information is the fact that there is a lot of herpes cure fraudulent information. The internet is full of fake herpes cures being advertised by unscrupulous people interested in making quick money from desperate patients. The desperation is usually because of the fact that herpes is stigmatizing and most people do not want to talk about it including doctors.

You should not be afraid that you might be missing out on some hidden herpes cure. Herpes is such a huge problem around the world. If someone came up with the cure, they would probably win multiple awards including a Nobel prize.

In conclusion

The development of cures and vaccines is not an easy process. It takes years of development and testing and more testing. Every disease comes with its own challenges, which explains why scientists have not yet developed the cure for Herpes or HIV. However, they have been able to develop a HPV vaccine which means that we can be hopeful.

If you are living with herpes, you are not alone. There are many other people going the same situation as you. The available treatments will go a long way in helping you deal with the symptoms and outbreaks that might make your life uncomfortable. The most important thing is to not fall into the scams that sell herpes cures because we still do not have a cure for herpes simplex virus.

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Herpes Outbreak

The article Herpes Outbreak was originally published to: https://herpes.meetpositives.com/

What Are the Common Herpes Outbreaks?

Herpes outbreak is the stage that follows the dormant stage of the infection after contracting the virus. After infection, the virus will remain in dormant state within the individual’s body adapting to the body conditions. During this stage the symptoms will hardly show and if they show, the infected will hardly notice. After the dormant stage, the virus will surface to the skin with the symptoms of the infection starting to show.

An individual can however manage to live with the infection without ever having an outbreak. This is because people have different body immunity strengths. The body might boost its immune system once it discovers the virus in the system. It will create antibodies that will suppress the virus from surfacing on the skin with the follow up symptoms. An infected individual should take it upon themselves to find out how the virus is affecting their body. This is because it works and adapts differently in infected people. In other individuals, the virus might begin to replicate. There are certain body conditions that encourage this. it is important to get medical checkups because they play an important role in the treatment.

Taking Herpes Outbreak Anti-viral Medication

Anti-viral medication are effective in the treatment of the herpes symptoms. However they should only be taken during the outbreak. Taking the medication before the outbreak will not help. This is due to the fact that medications are designed to stop the outbreaks in their initial stage. The anti-viral medication works against the virus as it is trying to cause the outbreak. Herbal ointments can be applied on the blisters to enable quick healing. It also prevents bursting of the blisters to painful ulcers. The medications ensure that the herpes virus does not replicate.

Most people living with the herpes virus worry a lot about their status. This can lead to high levels of stress. Stress has been seen to activate the virus. A stressful lifestyle can lead to an increased outbreak frequency and also cause other health issues. Treatment and an adjustment of diet during the outbreaks can help. They can help reduce outbreak frequency and encourage healthy living.

Meet Positives Community and Herpes Outbreak

Meet Positives has diverse information on how an infected can live and lead a normal lifestyle. The site has a segment that advises on things one can do to boost their immunity. A strong immunity will ensure antibodies are ready to counter the virus any time it tries to surface. Transmission might however be possible as much as the virus is dormant in the infected person’s system. This is the case even if there are no outbreaks. The general plan of reducing the outbreaks to almost zero or never occurring is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Boosting the body system immunity, using herbal or prescribed medications to counter the symptoms of the disease. Meet Positives also has members that will advise new infected members on possible measures they might take to reduce the herpes outbreak.

Meet Positives is a community where positive singles meet. The site is more than just a community, it also provides a platform for herpes dating. People living with herpes can have a normal dating life without the worry of infecting each other or having the awkward talk.

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