There are so many myths and rumors circulating about herpes lately. I thought a few facts would be of interest to you all.

If you are diagnosed with genital herpes, you are not alone: 4.5 million people in the US or one out of every five are infected with the virus. Only 10% are aware they have it!

The faster a person is diagnosed and begins treatment, the better. Studies have shown that when a person begins treatment quickly, the severity of the outbreak is diminished and so is the likelihood of spreading the infection.

Therapy - treatment - is episodic - taken when symptoms occur – and/or suppressive - taken daily to repress further outbreaks or lessen the severity of outbreaks. Suppressive therapy can also lessen the likelihood of shedding the virus to a partner.

Lynne Fiore, NP