Fast facts about Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus)
Herpes is a very common viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). I can cause sores on the mouth or face or in the genital area. Herpes cannot be cured, but it can be treated.
Herpes Support Groups
Support groups provide information and allow participants to share experiences, fears, and feelings with others who are concerned about herpes.
If you’re looking for support, Feel free to join thousands of others who are part of ASHA’s STI support forum hosted through Inspire.com. online (free registration required). This forum allows users to post and interact with others but that’s not necessary to participate: You can simply choose to search the hundreds of discussions covering STI topics such as testing, treatment, transmission, and talking with partners. Note that the forum doesn’t offer direct medical advice or opinions regarding symptoms (we can offer referrals to a free clinic, though, no problem).
The groups listed here are not sponsored or endorsed by ASHA, and are entirely responsible for their activities and the content of their websites.
Online Support Communities
Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP)
SPFPP offers dedicated support for both men and women, providing a space where you can talk openly about your experience, heal emotionally, and connect with others who understand. Whether you’re seeking individual support or a group setting, SPFPP offers resources to help you navigate herpes stigma, disclose your status with confidence, and reclaim your sense of self.
Honeycomb Support Forum
This is a discussion forum for people affected by herpes simplex virus (HSV) with more than 70,000 members where you can talk openly and honestly. If you’ve been feeling afraid, alone, isolated or confused prepare to feel a whole lot better. You are among friends here and our support crew can help you realize just how normal and common this skin condition is.
The STI Project Private Facebook Group
Support group helping people with HSV break through fear, shame, & stigma! If you feel overwhelmed about having herpes, or simply, you’re stuck wrestling with the immense stigma that comes with a herpes diagnosis, then you’re in the right place!
United States
Below is a listing of local support groups in various states in the U.S. You can also search MeetUp.com for more herpes support groups and meetups in your area.
CA
Bay Area Friends
San Francisco, CA
www.bayareafriends.org
Bay Area Friends Meetup
IN
Indy HELP
Indianapolis, IN
www.indyhelp.com
MI
Metro Detroit HELP
Detroit, MI
https://www.metrodetroithelp.org/
Canada
ON
Toronto HELP
c/o The Phoenix Association
Toronto, ON
(416) 449-0876
www.torontoherpes.com
Last update: 04/2025
More to Explore
HHS Recognizes Herpes as a Priority in the STI National Plan
The STI National Plan has now been amended to add genital herpes as a priority.
Diagnosing and Managing Genital Herpes: A Two-part Conversation with Terri Warren, RN, ANP
In this two-part episode of ASHA’s Sex+Health podcast, Terri Warren, RN, ANP explains many approaches to diagnosing herpes as well as strategies to effectively manage herpes in a relationship and deal with the emotional aspects of the diagnosis.
Task Force Decides Against Routine Herpes Screenings
The U.S. Preventative Service Task Force (USPSTF) has advised against routine screening for herpes in adolescents, adults, and pregnant women.
ASHA Survey Shows Many Herpes Patients Diagnosed Incorrectly
Think you can tell that a rash or sore is a genital herpes infection just by looking at it? If you said “no,” you’re right. You can’t. And neither can your healthcare provider.
Herpes Vaccine Research
There are currently both preventive and therapeutic vaccines under development. While the primary focus is on HSV-2, the primary cause of genital infection, HSV-2 vaccines may also have benefits in preventing or treating HSV-1 infection.
New Research Highlights the Need for Improved Herpes Diagnostics
A paper published ahead of print in Sexually Transmitted Diseases finds that commercial blood tests commonly used to diagnose herpes simplex virus (HSV) are frequently not reliable, especially in those with “low positive” results.
Herpes and Relationships
The best way for couples to deal with herpes is to talk about it openly and make decisions together. So what’s the best way to start the conversation?