‘I want to break the stigma around herpes’

• Herpes diagnosis often carries significant psychological burden that may exceed physical symptom impact, highlighting need for better patient support and counselling
• Reducing stigma around herpes is essential, suggesting GPs should normalise the condition and address patient anxiety as part of clinical management
• Healthcare professionals should recognise the mental health dimension of herpes infection and provide appropriate psychosocial support alongside antiviral treatment

The psychological effect of a herpes diagnosis can be greater than the physical symptoms, experts say.

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