⚫Keep educating yourself because knowledge truly is power. Learning the facts, debunking myths and understanding the virus is one of the best things you could do for yourself.
⚫Don't hide your diagnosis from a partner or someone you are having sex with. Of course you don't need to open up in early stages of dating, but it's very important that you tell them before you get into a sexual relationship with them.
⚫Being straightforward in the conversation is usually best, and refer to the previous bullet if they are anything but supportive and understanding.
⚫Don't beat yourself up. It's upsetting to learn that you have herpes, but critizing, judging or blaming yourself will only cause more stress. Negativity works in a cycle. Try to keep your head up, angle.
⚫Remember that you are the exact same person before you received your diagnosis. You are not a virus. You have a virus.
Stigmas exist due to a lack of education. You don't want anyone who wouldn't be understanding to be in your life. You deserve so much better. Having herpes will never affect your worth whatsoever, I promise.
⚫Let yourself laugh. Let yourself rest. Treat yourself often. These are so important.
⚫Support groups, online chat rooms, social events, and online forums are all great resources you can use to connect with understanding people going through the same experience.
⚫Abstaining from sexual activity during an outbreak is always recommended. Even if you do not have blisters, you could still be shedding the virus.
⚫Know that you don't have to tell anyone you don't want to, but finding a therapist or caunselor that you can talk to openly about what you're feeling could be a really useful tool for you. It's important that you let your honest thoughts out- don't bottle anything up.
⚫Surround yourself with supportive friends. Try to avoid judgemental people or family members. You do not deserve that stress.
