Podcast Summary
A herpes diagnosis can be isolating, but finding support helps: Despite initial fears, finding communities and practicing open communication can help overcome stigma and isolation after a herpes diagnosis
A herpes diagnosis can be a shocking and isolating experience, leading to feelings of shame and fear, but it doesn't have to define one's worth or dating prospects. Courtney Brain, founder of Something Positive For Positive People, shares her personal story of being diagnosed with herpes at age 23 and the challenges she faced in disclosing it to partners and navigating dating. Despite initial fears and concerns, she found solace and acceptance in communities of people living with herpes and realized that open communication and self-acceptance are key to overcoming the stigma surrounding the condition. It's important to remember that everyone deserves love and companionship, regardless of their health status.
Exploring experiences of living with STIs and challenging stigma: The Something Positive for Positive People podcast offers a safe space for individuals to discuss their experiences with STIs and mental health, challenges stigma, and connects them with resources and therapists.
Expressing experiences, especially those that carry stigma, can provide relief and relief for individuals going through difficult times. The Something Positive for Positive People podcast, which started as a suicide prevention resource, showcases the diverse experiences of people living with herpes and challenges stereotypes. The podcast also connects individuals with resources and therapists to help navigate the stigma associated with an STI diagnosis. The podcast's creator, Courtney Brem, emphasizes the importance of providing a safe space for people to understand and communicate about their experiences without feeling the need to openly combat stigma. The podcast covers more than just herpes, but the secondary effect of addressing the mental health issues that can arise from an STI diagnosis. The upcoming interview with Dr. Ina Park on the podcast will also provide valuable insights on STIs and the importance of accurate information and resources.
Discovering a Bourbon Slush and Herpes Simplex Virus: Learned about a bourbon slush recipe, involving black tea, frozen lemonade, frozen orange juice, bourbon, ginger ale, and freezing preparation. Also discussed herpes simplex virus, a DNA virus causing cold sores or genital herpes, with transmission through mucus membranes or skin-to-skin contact, and many infections being asymptomatic.
We discussed a delicious and Kentucky-inspired drink called a bourbon slush, made with black tea, frozen lemonade, frozen orange juice, bourbon, ginger ale, and requiring some prep time for freezing. We also delved into the topic of herpes simplex virus (HSV), a DNA virus in the herpesviridae family, which causes diseases in humans such as cold sores or genital herpes. Transmission occurs through mucus membranes or skin-to-skin contact, and a large proportion of infections are asymptomatic. Primary infections may cause systemic symptoms like fever and body aches, along with specific symptoms depending on the location of infection, such as UTIs or vaginal irritation. Herpes viruses are widespread, affecting various animals and even mollusks. HSV 1 and 2 are the focus, and their incubation periods range from 2 days to a month, with many infections being asymptomatic.
HSV enters sensory nerves and establishes a latent infection: The herpes simplex virus causes painful sores and enters sensory nerves, making it difficult for the immune system to eliminate the virus and establishing a latent infection in nerves like the trigeminal or lumbar lumbosacral nerves.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes painful sores or ulcers through direct damage to the skin or mucus membrane cells, and then enters the sensory nerves, making it difficult for the immune system to eliminate the virus. This nerve connection allows HSV to establish a latent infection, primarily in the trigeminal nerves for oral infections or the lumbar lumbosacral nerves for genital infections. Individuals with a primary infection have painful sores for a long time and shed the virus for a longer duration, while recurrent episodes tend to be shorter and have fewer lesions. Both HSV1 and HSV2 can infect various parts of the body, but clinically, HSV1 is more commonly associated with oral infections, while HSV2 is linked to genital infections.
HSV 1 and 2 can cause infections in different areas, and individuals can be co-infected: Both HSV 1 and 2 can cause infections in various parts of the body, and individuals can carry and transmit the virus even during asymptomatic periods
While HSV 1 is commonly associated with oral herpes and HSV 2 with genital herpes, the distinction is not as clear-cut as it seems. Both viruses can cause infections in different areas, and HSV 2 is more likely to cause recurrences in the genitals than HSV 1. Additionally, individuals can be co-infected with both viruses, and shedding can occur both during symptomatic and asymptomatic periods, potentially up to 80% of the time. It's important to note that even during asymptomatic shedding, individuals can still transmit the virus. Therefore, consistent use of protective measures, such as condoms and avoiding oral-genital contact during outbreaks, is crucial for prevention.
Herpes: More Than Just a Sexually Transmitted Disease: Herpes is a common viral infection that can lead to severe complications like ocular infections, herpes encephalitis, and neonatal herpes. While condoms offer some protection, they are not foolproof. Antiviral drugs can help manage symptoms and prevent complications but do not eradicate the virus.
While condoms offer some protection against herpes simplex viruses (HSV) 1 and 2, they are not foolproof. Herpes is a self-limiting infection in most cases, but it can be debilitating and stigmatized. The most severe complications include ocular infections, which can lead to scarring and blindness, and herpes encephalitis, a rare but serious condition that can cause mental status changes, seizures, and even death. HSV is the most common cause of viral encephalitis in the United States, and it can occur during both primary and recurrent infections. Another serious complication is neonatal herpes infection, which can occur during vaginal delivery if a mother has active lesions. Treatment for herpes includes antiviral drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famcyclovir, which can help manage symptoms and prevent complications, but they do not eradicate the virus. Herpes encephalitis and neonatal herpes infections are treatable and often without long-term damage if diagnosed and treated early.
Understanding HSV: Origin and Treatment: Acyclovir effectively inhibits HSV DNA replication, reducing infection and transmission. HSV 1 originated with humans 6-7 million years ago, while HSV 2 came from chimpanzees 1.4 million years ago.
Acyclovir is an effective antiviral medication for managing herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2 infections. It works by inhibiting the DNA replication of the virus, reducing the chances of infecting others and drastically minimizing active infection. Acyclovir comes in oral and IV forms, with oral being the most common method of administration. While there are minimal side effects, resistance is a possibility but not a common concern at present. HSV viruses have a high specificity to their host species and have been around for millions of years, providing valuable insights into human history and evolution. HSV 1 is believed to have originated with humans around 6-7 million years ago, while HSV 2 resulted from cross-species transmission from chimpanzees around 1.4 million years ago. Understanding the origins and characteristics of HSV 1 and 2 can help us better manage and prevent the spread of these viruses.
Herpes: A Historical Perspective: Herpes, caused by HSV 1 and HSV 2, has been passed down intergenerationally for millions of years and was widely known throughout history despite limited understanding of its causes. Ancient treatments included cauterization, gold bands, and snail slime.
The historical spread of different infectious diseases, including herpes simplex viruses (HSV 1 and HSV 2), is shaped by their unique biology and the social structures of human populations. HSV 1 and HSV 2 have been passed down intergenerationally for millions of years due to their ability to cause mild, easily transmittable infections. The first written records of herpes are uncertain, but there are ancient references to treating herpes-like symptoms. Some treatments mentioned in history include cauterizing open sores with iron, using gold wedding bands, and even applying snail slime. The use of these treatments suggests that herpes was widely known throughout history, despite uncertainty about what was actually being described in ancient texts. Overall, the characteristics of different pathogens, such as their mode of transmission and severity, have played a significant role in shaping their historical spread.
History of Herpes: From Misconceptions to Understanding: The history of herpes is marked by misconceptions and misdiagnoses, with the connection to sexual activity not widely accepted until the late 1960s. The herpes simplex virus was isolated in the 1930s, and the differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2 were discovered, leading to a better understanding and management of the infection.
The history of understanding and treating herpes, a common viral infection, has been marked by misconceptions and misdiagnoses. While herpes was first described in medical texts in the 18th century, the connection between the infection and sexual activity was not widely accepted. Instead, alternative explanations, such as nervous overstimulation or hot weather, were proposed. It wasn't until the 1930s that the herpes simplex virus was isolated, and the clinical differences between HSV-1 (which primarily affects the mouth) and HSV-2 (which primarily affects the genitals) were discovered in the late 1960s. However, even as late as the 1960s, there was still a lack of understanding and stigma surrounding herpes, which is now known to be a common and manageable infection.
Societal narratives and stigma surrounding Herpes: Historically, Herpes has been stigmatized due to societal beliefs linking STIs to immorality and societal decay. However, attitudes towards sex and STIs have changed over time, leading to periods of normalization and de-stigmatization, only to be followed by renewed shame and stigma.
The stigma surrounding Herpes as a sexually transmitted infection was largely due to societal narratives that viewed STIs as punishments for immoral behavior, or as indicative of larger societal decay. For a long time, more prominent STIs like syphilis and gonorrhea were used as examples to support these narratives. However, with the sexual revolution of the 1960s, attitudes towards sex began to change, leading to a brief period of normalization and de-stigmatization. However, as the sexual revolution waned in the late 1970s, those who held conservative views on sexuality were quick to take up the mantle that sex is bad and that those who engage in it deserve to be shamed. The history of herpes as a stigmatized infection is complex, and its perception varies greatly around the world. But understanding the societal narratives that have shaped our views on STIs is an important step in reducing the stigma surrounding them.
The stigmatization of herpes in the late 1970s and early 1980s: Herpes became a symbol of sexual liberation's consequences, fueling fear, shame, and increased doctor visits, while benefiting moralists, media, and pharmaceutical companies.
The emergence of herpes as a major public health issue in the late 1970s and early 1980s was fueled by a combination of moralistic interpretations, sensationalist media coverage, and stigmatization. Herpes, which is typically a benign infection, became a symbol of the consequences of sexual liberation and was used to promote oppressive narratives against non-traditional sexual behaviors. This resulted in increased fear and shame around the virus, leading to significant increases in doctor visits and negative responses to positive diagnoses. The stigma around herpes benefited not only moralists and those opposed to progress, but also news outlets and pharmaceutical companies, who stood to gain from the heightened public concern. The use of dehumanizing language and sensationalist headlines further perpetuated the stigma and contributed to the damage caused by these narratives. It's important to remember that behind these statistics and headlines are people with complex stories and experiences, and it's crucial to approach these issues with empathy and understanding.
The stigma around herpes predates Burroughs Welcome's promotional campaigns: Herpes stigma existed before Burroughs Welcome's ads and remains a societal issue, despite its commonness
Despite the conspiracy hypothesis suggesting Burroughs Welcome created the herpes stigma to sell acyclovir, the evidence does not support this claim. The stigma around herpes, which has been pervasive throughout history, predates Burroughs Welcome's promotional campaigns. The company's ads generally presented a positive image of individuals dealing with herpes. Although Burroughs Welcome profited from the stigma, they did not create it. The stigma around herpes remains a significant issue, with societal acceptance of making fun of or ostracizing those who are HSV positive. Worldwide, approximately 3.7 billion people under 50 have HSV 1, with around 120-190 million of those cases being genital HSV 1. An estimated 491 million people, ages 15 to 49, have HSV 2. These statistics demonstrate how common herpes is, yet the stigma persists.
The challenges of herpes prevention and testing: Universal herpes screening is unfeasible due to inaccurate tests and stigma. Ongoing research into vaccines and treatments offers hope for the future.
Despite the importance of accurate data for understanding and addressing the prevalence and impact of herpes, the lack of reliable screening tests and the high false positive rate make universal screening an unfeasible solution. Additionally, the stigma associated with herpes is a significant issue that prevents open dialogue and effective prevention strategies. However, there is ongoing research into potential vaccines and treatments, offering hope for the future. It's crucial to continue advocating for destigmatization and increased funding for research to improve testing methods and ultimately, reduce the impact of herpes on individuals and communities.
Exploring the history, science, and stigma of STIs: Open and honest conversations between healthcare providers and patients are crucial in managing and preventing the spread of STIs, as effective vaccines remain elusive and stigma persists.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) remains a challenge for scientists to develop an effective vaccine, despite ongoing research. The stigma surrounding herpes and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is still prevalent, and it can significantly impact how healthcare providers approach discussing these topics with their patients. In her upcoming book, "Strange Bedfellows," Dr. Ina Park explores the history, science, and stigma of STIs with humor and real-life stories. Dr. Park emphasizes the importance of providers being comfortable discussing sex and STIs to reduce the stigma and improve patient care. She believes that healthcare providers' attitudes can strongly influence the way society perceives STIs. Until we make progress in developing effective vaccines and reducing stigma, open and honest conversations between healthcare providers and patients remain crucial in managing and preventing the spread of STIs.
Communicating Sexual Health: Balancing Risks and Normalcy: Healthcare providers should normalize STIs, strike a balance between sex-positivity and risk information, and encourage open discussions about sexual health to reduce shame and stigma.
Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients about sexual health requires addressing both the risks and the normalcy of sexual behavior. Providers should aim to strike a balance between encouraging sex-positive attitudes and providing accurate information about potential risks. Normalizing STIs as a natural consequence of sexual activity and taking a harm reduction approach can help reduce shame and stigma. Parents can begin discussions about sex and STIs with their children early on, and individuals can be open with friends and colleagues about their own experiences. Changing the language around STIs can also help reduce stigma. Providers who feel uncomfortable discussing sexual health should explore alternative methods for collecting necessary information.
Changing the way we talk about STIs and viruses like herpes: Using non-stigmatizing language and promoting open dialogue can help reduce stigma and improve understanding of STIs and viruses like herpes.
The way we talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and viruses like herpes matters. Using stigmatizing language can perpetuate negative attitudes and beliefs. Changing our language, such as referring to herpes as HSV positive instead of having herpes, can help reduce stigma and better reflect the reality that most people with these viruses do not always exhibit symptoms. Additionally, the increasing visibility of sex positivity and resources online offer a more open and accepting environment for discussions about STIs. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done in reducing stigma and promoting accurate information and open dialogue. Some recommended resources for further learning include the books "Make Love Not War" by David Allen, "No Magic Bullet" by Alan Brandt, and "Strange Bedfellows" by Ina Park, as well as articles like "History of Herpes Genitalis" by Hetfeld and "How Herpes Became a Sexual Boogeyman" by lvanderson.
