Herpes is common, manageable and treatable...

More than 30% of sexually active adults in NZ have genital herpes.

Herpes simplex causes a viral skin condition known as cold sores (on face), whitlows (on fingers) or 'herpes' on genitals or other skin areas.

Around 80% of people infected with genital herpes don't know they have the herpes virus because they have very mild symptoms or none at all.

This site can help you understand and manage this common infection.

Note: We regularly receive enquiries about the availability of herpes vaccines. Whilst the pipeline is rich with herpes vaccine development, presently there is no herpes simplex virus vaccine available that has peer-reviewed published data or clinical trial results to prove its effectiveness. Therefore we cannot, and do not, recommend any 'herpes vaccines' that may be advertised.

MYTHS VS FACTS FACIAL HERPES HERPES & RELATIONSHIPS FACTS ABOUT HERPES RECOGNISING GENITAL HERPES

Myths and facts and Herpes – Genital and Cold Sores

Myths and Facts About
Genital Herpes and Cold Sores

Myth: Only certain sorts of people get herpes.

FACT: No, it is very common and anyone who has EVER had sex can get genital herpes. It's not about being clean, dirty, good or bad – it's about being normal and sexually active.

Talking to a partner about
Genital Herpes or Cold Sores

It's natural to be concerned about telling a new partner that you have genital herpes. Fear of being rejected and perhaps being uncomfortable about sexual health concerns makes it a tricky subject to bring up. However, it is more likely that your partner will respect your openness and honesty and it will be an opportunity to take your relationship to a deeper level of trust and understanding.

Talking to a partner about Genital Herpes diagnosis

What About Diet and Herpes?

It's important to look after yourself when managing herpes. A healthy diet is certainly part of that. Some people with herpes have found that avoiding foods high in the amino acid arginine, may reduce herpes recurrences (genital herpes and cold sores).

Higher levels of arginine are found in foods such as chocolate and many types of nuts. Excessive coffee (caffeine), red wine and smoking are also triggers herpes for some people.

What's the Safer Sex Info About
Herpes and Cold Sores?

Herpes is not an infection that people can necessarily prevent themselves getting or passing on because most people are unaware they have it. So getting herpes is more a matter of learning about it and managing it.

However there are measures you can take to reduce the chances of getting herpes and protect yourself against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What is the Safe Sex info for herpes patients?

Conversation tips for talking to partners about Herpes

Conversation Tips for Telling Potential Partners

It's natural to feel awkward or embarrassed when telling a new partner that you have genital herpes, this is normal! There are ways to make it easier to share this information, and in most cases, sharing it will lead to a deepening of trust in your new relationship.

Firstly, be as informed as you can about Genital Herpes.

You may want to rehearse what you say with a trusted friend or health professional first.

Getting Through a New Genital Herpes Diagnosis

It is normal to feel upset and distressed as with any new diagnosis of a medical condition. Remember that herpes doesn't discriminate and you don't need to 'blame' yourself for what is actually a very common condition.

Make sure you have a follow up appointment with your doctor a week after your diagnosis. Ensure you are comfortable with the health provider you are using.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate for Herpes

Oral antiviral medication is an effective treatment/management for problematic herpes simplex (oral or genital) and can improve your quality of life by providing a sense of control and physical and mental relief from experiencing recurrences of herpes.

Knowing about herpes simplex treatment options provides you with information to have an open and informed discussion with your doctor about what is best for you.

Messages from People with Herpes

"When I found out, it felt like the end of the world, I thought I would never have sex again...When I eventually told friends about it, I found out that 2 of them had it and my last boyfriend had it too. I realised it was so so common and not the big" – VP

"I discovered winning the war in my mind was key. The emotional impact of being diagnosed with genital herpes was much worse than the condition and it doesn't deserve the upset it causes." – CH

messages from people with genital herpes and cold sores

About Us

This website is brought to you by the Sexually Transmitted Infections Education Foundation (STIEF) - an initiative funded by Te Whatu Ora.

The medical information in this website is based on the STIEF Guidelines for the Management of Genital Herpes in New Zealand. The New Zealand Ministry of Health supports the use of these clinical guidelines, developed by clinical experts and professional associations to guide clinical care in New Zealand.

The Guidelines are produced by considering available literature, both New Zealand wide and international, and by basing the medical recommendations on the evidence in the literature or reasonable supposition and opinions of medical experts.