Knowing How to Live with Genital Herpes Helps Put You In Charge

Your support network

If you feel you need help in coming to terms with having genital herpes – or if you want to learn how to better live with it – you have a network of people who are ready to help and resources that you can access at any time.

Find support from those who really know how you feel.
Support groups let you voice your feelings and concerns with others who know what it’s like to have genital herpes. Support groups provide an opportunity for both you and others to share personal insights and exchange information that you might not otherwise learn from a friend or even your doctor. To find a support group nearest you, ask your doctor, contact your local Sexual Health Centre or STI clinic or see Resources.

Healthcare providers are always ready to help you.
Your doctor, pharmacist or a sexual health counsellor all have the knowledge and experience you can call on for help and support as you learn to live with genital herpes. If you have questions or concerns, a healthcare provider should always be your first point of contact.

Learn more on-line, in an instant.
The internet provides a world of information about genital herpes right at your fingertips. This site is just one of several highly credible sites that provide information and tools to help you manage genital herpes. For other information sources, save yourself a search and see Resources.

1. Clarke P. The Impact of a Herpes Diagnosis and the Implications for Patient Counseling. Clinical Management of Herpes Viruses,1995: 75-85. IOS Print, Washington, DC. 2. Whitley RJ, Kimberlin DW and Roizman B. Herpes Simplex Viruses. Clin Infect Dis 1998;26(3):541-553. 3. Sacks S. The Truth About Herpes. 4th Ed., 1997. Gordon Soules Book Publishing Ltd. 4. Kemeny ME, Cohen F, Zegans LS et al. Psychological and Immunological Predictors of Genital Herpes Recurrence. Psych Med 1989;51:195-208. 5. Aoki FY. Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections 2006 Edition; Genital Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections. Public Health Agency of Canada http://phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/sti_2006/pdf/sti2006_e.pdf. Accessed May 15, 2006. 6. Cuisini M and Ghislanzoni M.The importance of diagnosing genital herpes. J Antimicrob Chemo 2001;47(Topic T1):9-16.