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From: rbg@cbosgd.UUCP (Richard Goldschmidt)
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: Re: More Herpes Issues
Message-ID: <789@cbosgd.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 25-Jan-85 10:21:00 EST
Article-I.D.: cbosgd.789
Posted: Fri Jan 25 10:21:00 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 27-Jan-85 07:18:52 EST
References: <1866@sdcc6.UUCP> <1964@sun.uucp>
Organization: Columbus Bell Labs, Silver Lining
Lines: 19

I think thanks are due to the people who have provided correct medical
information.  The problem is that the psychological issues may be more
important for many sufferers.  One of my housemates from Pittsburgh had
herpes, and it had serious consequences for his social life.  He has not
had a long term relationship since he got it several years ago, and it has
also affected his more casual dating relationships.  Most people simply
don't want to take the chance of getting herpes, even if it is just an
over-rated skin rash.  As has been pointed out, women may not know if they
have an active lesion, and men may be contagious just prior to the appearance
of lesions (shedding).  From a social-psychological perspective the groups
where herpes sufferers can meet each other are probably a good thing.  But
from a medical perspective, there are different types of herpes, and someone
with type I may acquire type II, or introduce the virus to new skin areas.
I guess I see more problems than solutions, but this is not a simple medical
issue for the people affected.

Rich Goldschmidt     {ucbvax,ihnp4,decvax,allegra} !cbosgd!rbg
		     ARPA:  cbosgd!rbg@ucbvax