As Sternberg et al (964-973) argue, although the global prevalence of herpes has reduced, as compared to other sexually transmitted diseases, herpes is one of the least discovered sexually transmitted viral diseases, in its early stages of infection. This is the case primarily because, unlike other sexually transmitted infections that usually manifest themselves physically in the early stages of infection, Herpes has no early infection warning symptoms. Its symptoms will manifest themselves when the immune system fails, a fact evidenced by severe damages to the reproductive system (Kirby 1). Hence, because of this late detection and the fact that Herpes is incurable, the majority of herpes sufferers have to endure a great deal of psychological, physical, emotional, and behavioral effects associated with the infection. These effects result, because of the society’s stigma on herpes sufferers, a situation that becomes worse unless individuals seek herpes management remedies (Fortenberry 8-10).
As research studies show, psychological acceptance and adjustment is one primary problem that sufferers of Herpes suffer, because of the nature of perception the society holds towards this viral infection. Hence, because of such stigma, most individuals diagnosed with this infection feel very guilty, depressed, mortified, and discomfited; hence, most of them will tend to isolate themselves from others. Herpes sufferers isolate themselves from others, because of the low self-esteem they hold of themselves, as most of them believe that no one will be ready to associate with them. In addition, considering the extreme emotions associated with these feelings, herpes patients greatly suffer psychologically, because of the stress associated with the discovery that one has contracted Herpes (Kocsis and Green 253-258). On the other hand, non-sufferers also suffer psychologically, because of society’s opinion that herpes is very contagious, hence the tendency of non-sufferers to distance themselves from the infected individuals. Such separation leads to the breakage of healthy relationships; therefore, severely jeopardizing an individual’s social life (Fortenberry 8-10).
Physical effects associated with herpes include the occurrence of painful red swellings, which sometimes develop into open wounds, which leave scars when they dry up. These lesions develop on and around the genital organs; hence, the nature of herpes’ effects on individuals’ reproductive system. In addition to sores on and around the genitalia, sometimes it can cause lesions on other body parts, mostly in un-attended broken skin cases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC 1).]
Because herpes is a viral infection with no cure, most individuals diagnosed with the virus find it very difficult to accept that they must live with the infection for the rest of their lives. In addition to the infection lacking a medicinal remedy, the reoccurrence of effects caused by the virus, is one of the primary fears of most sufferers, because most individuals will tend to distance themselves from them, as they fear contracting the virus (MIrotznik, Shapiro, Steinhart, and Gillespie 267-271). Because of such isolations, the majority of herpes suffers will tend to be desolate, to avoid scorn from “healthy” individuals; hence, the infection alters completely the sufferers’ social behavior and sex life. On the other hand, as research studies show, although most suffers may quit involving themselves in active sexual intercourse, some suffers may decide to spread the infection, for revenge purposes; hence, increasing their level of promiscuity (Manne, Sandler, and Zautra 164-172).
In conclusion, considering the trauma and psychological, emotional, physical, and behavioral effects associated with herpes, and the fact that, herpes has no medicinal cure, but has only management remedies, it is crucial for society to accept herpes sufferers. This is important in the effort to reduce the stigma associated with the infection because there are other sexually transmitted infections more dangerous than herpes.
Works Cited
Centers for Diseases and Control: CDC. Herpes-CDC’s factsheet. CDC. 2010.
Fortenberry, Dennis. Herpes care-seeking behaviors. Herpes 11.1 (2004): 8-10. Web.
Kirby, Alfred. The reality about Herpes prevalence in society. 2010.
Kocsis, Agnes, and Green, John. Psychological factors in recurrent genital herpes. Genitourin Med 73 (1997): 253-258.
Manne, Sharon, Sandler, Irwin, and Zautra, Alex. Coping and adjustment to genital Herpes: the effects of time and social support. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 9.2 (1986): 163-177. Print.
Mirotznik, Jerrold, Shapiro, Debra, Steinhart, Judith, and Gillespie, Oscar. Genital Herpes: an investigation of the attitudinal and behavioral correlates. The Journal Of Sexual Research, 23.2 (1987): 266-272.
Sternberg, Maya, et al. Trends in herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 Seroprevalence in the United State. Journal of American Medical Association, 296.8 (2006): 964-973.