International Herpes Week

International Herpes Week is October 10 - 16. I know about this because I happen to have herpes. I've known about my herpes status since 1995. Did you know that 90% of people that have genital herpes don't know that they have it?

I believe that's a big reason why the International Herpes Alliance poses the question: "I have herpes - don't you?" on their campaign logo. Many people don't realize how common it is to have herpes simplex virus.

Thousands have no clue that herpes testing is not part of the routine std testing process. How is the majority of society going to figure all this out if we are not talking openly and honestly about herpes?

Charlie Ebel says it best, "There is no doubt that genital herpes still carries a certain social stigma. This can act as a barrier, discouraging people from seeking medical help or talking honestly with their sexual partners. Through International Herpes Week, we want to challenge this stigma and to encourage people to talk more openly and honestly about genital herpes."

In honor of International Herpes Week I want to take the time to dedicate this post to all the people that are not afraid to talk about herpes. You can find these people have shared their herpes stories, founded support groups, created a social awareness in their communities and continue to set a positive example for the rest of the world.

Below are ways in which you can contribute your time, brush up on your writing skills and take complete advantage of that computer you have sitting in front of you. I am looking for people that want to volunteer their time to write letters and get your voice heard.

• You can volunteer a few minutes a couple of times a week to answer questions and share your experiences with others on our std message board.

• Put together a herpes HELP support group or a herpes social group in your area. There is a list on the Social Support Networking Alliance and you can see which parts of the country could use the extra help.

• Share your herpes knowledgeable clinician or doctor by making contact with the reps on the herpes doctors page so that others can find good quality herpes care.

• Write letters to people in important positions that might have the ability to make a difference in how society views herpes. Have your letter posted on the Herpes Awareness page.

• Share your herpes story so that you might inspire and bring hope to others. Don't be afraid to show off your smile.

• Take the time to write up a review and have it posted.

If you have any other ideas or suggestions on what can be done in honor of International Herpes Week please don't hesitate to contact me. All it takes is one person at a time to make a difference in somebody's life or to educate somebody that otherwise might not know any better about the herpes simplex virus.

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