PRNewswire - November 11, 2003

GETTING SCHOOLED WITH INFORMATION ON HERPES

Infectious disease expert, Dr. Peter Leone, an associate professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine and Medical Director of the North Carolina HIV/STD Prevention and Control Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, believes that being informed about the condition -- through literature, Web sites, and an ongoing dialogue with your physician -- is the best way to approach diagnosis and treatment of genital herpes.

"Even though the initial diagnosis of genital herpes can be difficult for patients, gathering accurate information and talking with your healthcare professional are important first steps," said Dr. Leone. "It's important for people to understand their options to treat their disease and what they can do to help manage the spread of the disease."

In addition to safer sex practices (such as using condoms and avoiding sexual intercourse when having symptoms or outbreaks), Dr. Leone urges those already diagnosed to learn about other tools for managing herpes and living with the disease.

BEYOND THE PHYSICAL

Dealing with the emotional aspects of a diagnosis is just as important as coping with the physical, according to Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Specifically, Dr. Ruth has four tips for living with genital herpes:

* Talk to your doctor -- Get the key facts on herpes, including symptoms, treatment options and safer sex practices, including the use of condoms

* Seek support -- Talking with an understanding partner, friend or family member can help reduce your anxiety and stress

* Keep relationships strong -- Even with herpes, you can still maintain normal, satisfying relationships -- both emotionally and physically

* Maintain a positive attitude -- Once you learn how to manage your herpes, it's a lot easier to get on with life

"People with genital herpes can and do have healthy, satisfying relationships -- both emotionally and physically," said Dr. Ruth. "Sexual intimacy is an important part of a relationship and having an STD doesn't mean it has to end -- be brave and have the potentially difficult discussions needed to get you and your partner to a place of emotional and physical closeness."

A LESSON ON HERPES IN THE REAL WORLD

Cecilia McCracken is one of an estimated 60 million people in the U.S. with the genital herpes virus. When she was diagnosed five years ago she realized this would not only impact her emotionally and physically, but would impact her husband as well.

"When I was diagnosed with herpes, I had so many questions and concerns, including how it would affect my relationship and how I could avoid spreading it to my husband," said Cecilia McCracken. "I chose to approach it openly and honestly with David, and I'm happy to say we've become closer since my diagnosis. We take the steps necessary to minimize the risk of him getting genital herpes, and we continue to communicate openly."

NOTES ON GENITAL HERPES

In 1991, an estimated 1 in 5, or 45 million, Americans were infected with the virus that causes genital herpes. Experts estimate that up to 60 million Americans have the virus that causes genital herpes and the CDC estimates that approximately 1 million people are infected each year. However, as many as nine out of ten of those infected are unaware they have genital herpes and may only have experienced a mild initial outbreak without recognizing recurring symptoms of the disease. Symptoms of genital herpes may include painful or itchy clusters of blisters, bumps and rashes in the genital area, or on the thighs or buttocks. Many people confuse genital herpes symptoms with other conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ingrown hair, jock itch, zipper burn, allergic reactions, vaginal infections, a cut or a scratch, or irritation from sexual intercourse or tight jeans.

Though the disease is most contagious during an outbreak, it can also be contagious between outbreaks when no signs and symptoms are present. In fact, in clinical studies, the majority of people got genital herpes from a partner who knew they had genital herpes but reported no signs or symptoms at the time of recent sexual activity.

"Healthy Couples 101" was sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and health care companies. GlaxoSmithKline is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline

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