I’d like to point out that just because cold sores = herpes, doesn’t mean that you should ostracize or avoid people with cold sores. People who have STDs/STIs can still live full healthy sex lives, they just have to be more careful. Use protection during any kind of sex, and don’t have sex when you have a breakout. If you contract oral herpes that’s okay. It’s not the end of the world. It’s just mildly annoying sometimes and if you have a higher immune system or take care of yourself you won’t have as many break outs. Just use protection when you are performing oral sex on someone and let them know that there is a chance that they could get herpes. Never touch a cold sore and touch something or someone else. You can transfer herpes to other parts of your body as well, so never touch a sore without washing your hands afterwards. Also, if you get herpes genitally it’s not a big deal. I have herpes genitally, and I got it from someone with a cold sore going down on me. In the almost a year that I’ve had it I’ve only had two breakouts. The first one is always the worst and the second only lasted a couple of days.
Having an STD/STI does not mean you have to be celibate, it just means you have to be more careful.
Sometimes getting medication, supplements and treatment for HSV is difficult, especially if you have no way of getting them yourself and rely on others (maybe parents, etc) to help you out. Sometimes we don’t want to bring up the subject with them or tell them about the HSV, so avoiding uncomfortable situations is preferred. I don’t know how I’d feel if I was 16, 17, asking my mom (who cried every time she saw me after I told her about the STA for like a month straight) to take me to the store to get pills and remedies.
Soooo, I’m offering to make a little HSV care package for someone that needs it and can’t get supplements on their own. I can’t send medication but I can send an unopened bottle of lysine, Vitamin C and Vitamin E (you can put the oil on your love bumps to help them go away quicker), along with a packet of cotton balls and a handwritten letter. I’ll take a picture of me with the things beforehand, since I know, I know, STRANGER DANGER, etc etc. I don’t know, maybe it’ll help someone with limited resources going through a hard time because of this, feel a little less alone.
Let me know if anyone is interested. :)
PS. I love you all but please be in the US, I really can’t afford international shipping right now. :(
Here are a few of my favorite links pertaining to living with HSV2 that I recommend:
- http://theherpesblog.com/ -
Nanci Elliot has been living with herpes for over 20 years. She has a husband, two children she birthed naturally, and a seemingly great life. Her positive outlook and constant reassurance that everything will be wonderful is really helpful, hopeful and motivating. She has gone through everything already and gives really great advice.- http://www.herpesonline.org/articles/living_with_herpes.html -
The guide to living with HSV. Find out more about forums, support groups, testing, FAQs, articles, real stories from regular people, the works. Anything you need is here, seriously.- http://www.herpes.org/herpesinfo/smartliving.shtml -
Written by a medical director, this site gives a nice, concise breakdown of the virus, symptoms and treatments. It’s very easy to navigate and is really helpful if you need to find something quick without having to look under rocks.- http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/ -
The CDC’s genital herpes page, which includes all of the medical information one would need.- http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/
This is my favorite HSV+ forum/independent community on the internet. It has great advice, information (including remedies, information on vitamins and supplements, etc). It also has a free chat room with really cool people who are going through the same thing.- http://www.positivesingles.com/
The only STD dating site I have any experience with. It’s free to join and to make a profile but you can’t send messages or chat online. You can respond to messages but you can’t really do much besides that unless you pay the monthly fee.
Pro-tip: The fee is recurring so make sure to cancel before the monthly recurring date if you don’t want to keep getting billed!- TheSexUnEducated
Laura is one my favorite people in our little STD+ community here on Tumblr. She’s compassionate, kind and incredibly knowledgeable about sexual education/STDs. Her blog has a plethora of really interesting stuff and it’s definitely worth a look. She has been living with HSV2 for quite a while and always gives great advice and words of comfort. Whenever I mention her, I feel like I’m gushing but let my internet girl-crush be, okay?!If you would like to be on my list of Tumblrs who speak solely or mostly about STDs/sexual health/etc, please let me know. I don’t want to invade anyone’s privacy.
Other links compiled by MeandTheHerpes.
- http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca (Health Canada)
Sort of like the Canadian version of the CDC.- http://www.iwannaknow.org
Iwannaknow is designed to help you learn about your sexual health in order to make good decisions, since you will be a sexual being for a long time. Whether your 18 or 80, you going to have a desire to fulfill your sexual needs. Taking precautions now will not only help you live long, you will have a healthier sex life to show for it.- http://www.ashastd.org
The site for the American Social Health Association.
For almost 100 years ASHA has been talking to you about sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STD/STIs). We’ve helped millions learn how to protect themselves, talk to their partners and parents, know what to do if they have an STD/STI, and much more.- http://www.stdresource.com
STDresource.com is British Columbia’s information resource for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These diseases are also sometimes called sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or venereal disease (VD).-x-
Regarding suicide:
Suicide is never the best option. Even if things are shitty right now, they will get better. No matter how dark the night is, the sun always shows up in the morning. If you’re thinking about ending things, please contact someone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 if in the US and surround yourself by people who love you and care about you. This page is really great to read if you’re considering hurting yourself. From the site:
If you are feeling suicidal now, please stop long enough to read this. It will only take about five minutes. I do not want to talk you out of your bad feelings. I am not a therapist or other mental health professional - only someone who knows what it is like to be in pain.
-x-I’ve been living with HSV2 for more than a year now and my life is pretty damn awesome. This will only affect you negatively if you let it. I’m always around so if you ever need me, don’t be afraid to drop me a line. :)
Research Shows Progress Toward a Genital Herpes Vaccine
Very interesting! Thank you to my old friend grodius for the submission
