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 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
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!
Herpes Home Page Support Forum
While not active currently, the forum has an extensive archive of posts about managing symptoms, relationship, and success stories of happiness after herpes.
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.
AZ
Prescott Herpes Support Group
Prescott, AZ
hsgprescott@gmail.com
CA
Bay Area Friends
San Francisco, CA
www.bayareafriends.org
Bay Area Friends Meetup
FL
Central Florida H2O Group
Orlando, FL
https://sites.google.com/site/centralflh20group/
IA
DSMHSV
Des Moines, IA
https://dsmhsv.com/
IN
Indy HELP
Indianapolis, IN
www.indyhelp.com
MI
Metro Detroit HELP
Detroit, MI
https://www.metrodetroithelp.org/
MA
Boston HELP
BostonHerpes.org
781.648.4266
OH
Ohio Friends Support for Herpes and HPV
614-526-4461 (voicemail or text)
www.ohiofriends.org
info@ohiofriends.org
Canada
ON
Toronto HELP
c/o The Phoenix Association
Toronto, ON
(416) 449-0876
www.torontoherpes.com
Last update: 01/2021
Signs and Symptoms of Herpes—What You Should Know
Most people with herpes won’t experience symptoms, but knowing what to look for can make you more aware.
Five Things You Should Know about Herpes
ASHA answers many questions from the public about STIs, including about genital herpes. Here we offer five things to know about how to manage this common 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.
Genital Herpes and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and you have genital herpes, you may be concerned about the risk of spreading the infection to your baby. Be reassured that the risk is extremely small.
Emotional Issues with Herpes
Herpes may raise strong emotional issues, especially in the first few weeks or months after a diagnosis. Some people initially feel embarrassment, shame, anger, or depression. The good news is that these emotions tend to fade away over time. Some studies have shown that even six months can make a difference in adjusting to herpes.