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Cultural attitudes towards herpes bothers me. Herpes is not that big a deal for most people, most people have it and are also asymptomatic (yes that means probably you), and the shame associated with it is so disproportionate. I don't have herpes (as far as I know, maybe I do?)..

Aella

@Aella_Girl

but I've always pledged to do my part and, if I find out a potential romantic partner has herpes, to not let that affect my relationship with them (beyond avoiding outbreaks/medication etc.,). We can end the herpes stigma by simply choosing to, individually.

9:03 PM · Jun 25, 2019

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I think the stats are, 1/5 people will get genital herpes at some point in their life? And roughly half of people have oral herpes. And something like 70-90% of people with genital herpes never show any symptoms. It's been a few years since I did in-depth research on this tho.

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About stigma generally: my city, and the one next to it, have signs saying “proud to be stigma free”. But can’t stigmas be useful in limiting dangerous behaviors?

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We take risks every day - a small risk of death every time we drive. I value these risks being consistent - if we're willing to risk 1 death unit for 10 happy units, then we should *also* be willing to risk 0.5 death units for 20 happy units. Herpes-to-happy is safer ratio.

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Drew Michael

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I have never thought about this too deeply. Thank you for your thought-provoking posts. Very few people are effective at helping others rethink their instinctual reactions.