Good for you, Brad ("Student with genital herpes doesn't let that stop him," April 3, April Fool's Issue). I am so pleased to see more and more of us coming out and talking about having herpes. Herpes does not and should not define who we are. It's not a death sentence and certainly not the end of the world. I totally can relate to the "emotional" stigma that anyone who is diagnosed with herpes suffers.
For anyone struggling with having the talk and getting comfortable in their new skin, I highly recommend getting involved with a support group if you have one available in your area. In the Buffalo area, we have a herpes social group (through Yahoo groups) and I have found that by participating in these social groups, it was the very best thing I ever did for myself. I also agree with Brad that the Valtrex commercials are very well done and they reflect exactly how having herpes should be: not a big deal, even though I fully support that you "must tell" and never ignore the fact that you have herpes. It is the right thing today. Honesty can be difficult, but it's a necessity. Valtrex commercials have been instrumental in helping those to realize they are "not alone." You should not be ashamed if you have herpes. Herpes is just a virus to me. In fact, I am so passionate about it, I have a blog in which I have written many of my own personal thoughts, along with others in the herpes community, http://herpes-virus.blogspot.com.
Good for you Brad for stepping up and telling your story.
