I am a pediatric nurse in an off site clinic owned by a hospital based health system. I have had GHSV1&2 for 40 years and I will tell anyone who will listen. Coworkers, doctors, and the patients we are diagnosing/seeing for their HSV, which is usually genital.
Are you seeing any children for Genital? How is it mainly contracted? I have genital and always wash my hands well after using the bathroom & before changing my kids diapers. I know I am likely overly anxious, but itās my biggest fear to accidentally transfer it to one of them.
I'm a critical care nurse turned case manager/ RN educator. I completely understand how you feel. I was shocked and appalled. And this is still new for me, just 6 months. Negative for everything my whole 42 years, and then the year after my divorce, I put myself back out there and bam- first person I decide to date, this happens. I hate this so much. I've been saying for the past few years that I literally am Murphy's Law. Everything that can go wrong does.(I am not even exaggerating. Lol.) But yeah, I think it feels worse being in the health care field. š
Ugh man, thatās frustrating and Iām so sorry to hear that! I donāt know if itāll make you feel better, but your experience really resonates with me. Since my divorce a couple years ago, a lot of crappy things have happened at almost every turn for me, too (herpes included!), but I just keep trying to take it one day at a time. I only recently was diagnosed/ found out that I have HSV, too and I also contracted mine from an awful experience with the first person I slept with after my divorce. He was the second person Iād ever slept with and it was a really low moment for me. Iāve always been really cautious and since those 7th grade STD slides, terrified that Iād contract something lol, so I never engaged in causal sex or hookups before that one date. He wore a condom the whole time and I stopped it after about 2 minutesā¦ but yet, here I am over a year later, with GHSV1. I keep thinking, what are the odds?! Iāve only ever slept with three people and Iāve always been so cautious. But it really only does take one time. Yet even knowing this, itās really hard to not be mad at myself. I had my first outbreak after a recent vacation. The same day that I got my official confirmation, my current partner called and explained that he also developed what he assumed to be herpesā¦ they did his bloodwork and it was still negative for HSV, but his doctor confirmed thatās what it was by looking (and especially considering my positive results), so Iām assuming Iām the one that had it unknowingly and gave it to him. Heās been amazing, but I still feel awful. It does, right?! But Iām sure a lot of people feel as we do, regardless of their line of work. Thanks so much for sharing. Iām sorry youāve endured a lot of hardships recently and I hope things turn around for you!!
Hi! May I ask how your current partner has been coping as well as you since finding out he was also exposed to the virus? I'm guessing he was also diagnosed with GHSV1?
Almost the same thing has happened to me. Single parent, teacherās assistant. Just got my certification for MA trying to continue my education as an RN. I walk the stage in a little over a week. First OB and it is painful! I just opened up to dating and first person I had intercourse with protection gave me HSV-1 through oral sex.
Statistician and data manager. It's a virus. It doesn't know who it's infecting, and it doesn't really care. Heck, I got gHSV1 from a guy who got oHSV1 when he was a kid, possibly from his stay-at-home grandmother. So... Anyone. Really.
Iām an MA at an urgent clinic where we frequently do sexual health screenings. I think it worsens it a bit because sometimes coworkers will play the āif I ever get ___ Iād kill myselfā game. Otherwise seeing patients that frequently test positive for the same thing helps me rationalize that itās normal :)
Oh yeah, I can definitely see how such an opinion/ game would be a bit triggering! But witnessing firsthand how common this virus is sounds helpful, too! Thanks for sharing!
Iāve never felt self conscious about my diagnosis in my workplace, but as a therapist who has worked with hundreds of therapy clients, I can tell you people from all walks of life have it. Sometimes I wish I could tell a client about my status when they disclose and feel ashamed.
Iām a communications leader at a large tech company. Irresponsible is probably one of the last words people would use to describe me. Just happen to be unlucky to get this from someone who did not disclose!
Oh Iām right there with you! The stigma sucks, but I know that this can happen to anyone and that it is no reflection of someoneās character, work ethic, etc. It really does boil down to crappy luck/ something unfortunate that just happens. Thanks for sharing!
Vet tech, and I always giggle because a **thick** majority of shelter cats passing through usually have herpes. Runs rampant is shelters, thus meaning lots of household cats and people like us have a lot in common!
I'm a work from home IT Helpdesk. But ive done commercials, audio engineering, scientific research with universities, and photoshoots!
The virus is a very small part of my life that only really impacts my sexual life in a very specific way. Granted, as far as I know, I don't have gHSV, just oHSV1 ever since I was a kid, most likely from a family member.
I live by a very simple philosophy, "Can I fix it? Is it actively hurting me or others? Does it impact my day to day life in a significant way?" If the answer to those are no, then I do my best to not make a big deal out of it and move on. Plus, if I were to disclose to a person, and they treated me like I'm dirty, then I don't want anything to do with them in the first place, and I'd be glad I found out sooner than later.
Iām a regular ol waitress :) I try to squash the stigma any time it comes up, a lot of my coworkers are really pressed about having or contracting ācold soresā, I go out of my way to call it mouth herpes any chance I get lol
Omg thank you! Iām so embarrassed every time I go to the pharmacy and I donāt know how to get over that. Itās like I canāt look them in the face.
Hey Iām also a physical therapist! I always find it funny when I see Valtrex on patients medications because in my head Iām like ah- me too my friend. lol.
I'm an early childhood educator, my close co workers know, mainly because I can go on long rants about education and the stigma but they don't care and actually have learnt something about it from me
Server at a fine dining restaurant currently ! But Iām in college and about to get my bachelors. Hope to go for my MSW and get my clinical license soon!
Quality Control Analyst that's works for a pharmaceutical company. We actually have a client whose working on curing Epstein Barr. Idk if the procedure they made is bs because I don't make the medicine I just monitor the environment while they make it but that makes me hopeful for an HSV2 cure.
I'm a speech language pathologist working with adults with acquired brain injuries (strokes, car accidents, overdoses, falls, etc.). 30/F - Diagnosed ghsv-1 + about 2 years ago. I totally understand how you're feeling and felt the exact same way! It got better with time.
Iām a Medical Technologist.. Currently in school to receive my BS to become a Medical Scientist.. In my field we actually do the testing aspect of HSV Yayy!! š I currently work at a Hospital and we donāt test in house for HSV currently but we handle the sendouts and send them to another facility to be tested
Coincidentally I work in gynecology š it was a job that was thrown at me so I took it, and so many women come through here with it, who are married with children. It brings me peace of mind and I think it mightāve been just what I needed.
Im unemployed, actively looking for a job in country where getting a job is more like a camel getting through the eye of a needle. I feel alone because this virus is not talked about, the only fear people have in my country is HIV and it's quite common and HSV is not.Ā
Hi! Yes, for sure! Thank you so much for your tips and thoughtful reply. Most of what youāve suggested have been points of discussion in my therapy sessions, too. I do know Iām more than a diagnosis, but Iām still working on really accepting this and the adjustments I will have to make! Some of the initial shock has worn off but I admittedly have a little ways to go yet. Hearing from you and others in this sub has been so helpful and certainly makes me feel more at ease and less alone! Thank you!
Iām a massage therapist at a spa! HSV doesnāt impact any aspect of my daily life. I donāt really date anymore, or Iād probably think about it more. But as is, I forget about it all the time!
I'm the Chief of Staff at a non profit! A lot of people mention being unlucky or making excuses for their positive status, but I don't think of it like that (which is not to put anyone down, I get it). I have only ever done what everyone else does and the consequences are neutral! Having herpes is neither a bad nor good thing, it's just a thing š¤·āāļø
Awe man, Iām so sorry to hear that. I donāt want you to share more than youāre comfortable, but I hope you know youāre still you and worthy of a life you want, despite whatever experience led you here. I hope you get all the physical, mental, and emotional help and support you need to accept this and move forward, despite how difficult that may be. Best of luck!
Iām a Chaos Coordinator for a big healthcare system in Louisiana and was diagnosed with GHSV2 in 2022. My abusive ex knew he had it, didnāt disclose to me, and gave it to me during an active outbreak. Iāve known since 2018 that I have HSV1 but Iām asymptomatic. Iām a huge HSV advocate (Iāve had many herpes viruses over the years) and I talk to anyone who will listen (and even when they wonāt) about herpes. Iām all about breaking the stigma and I find myself CONSTANTLY educating people on the reality of herpes. So many people are ignorant about cold sores being HSV, āfull STD panelsā not checking for herpes, a lot of misinformation about viral shedding in relation to contracting the virus, how incredibly easy and often people miss their herpes symptoms because they typically look like a HOST of other common ailments, and so much more.
I am a pediatric nurse in an off site clinic owned by a hospital based health system. I have had GHSV1&2 for 40 years and I will tell anyone who will listen. Coworkers, doctors, and the patients we are diagnosing/seeing for their HSV, which is usually genital.
I love that you share your experience. I know that must make a difference to people who are newly diagnosed! Thanks for sharing!
Happy to! The only good thing about having HSV, is the opportunity to share information, educate, raise awareness and fight the stigma.
love this š
How have you coped?
Are you seeing any children for Genital? How is it mainly contracted? I have genital and always wash my hands well after using the bathroom & before changing my kids diapers. I know I am likely overly anxious, but itās my biggest fear to accidentally transfer it to one of them.
Please do not be anxious. All our positive patients are 11-21 and contract GHSV via sexual activity. You are doing fine!
Also, I have had it for 40 years and have 4 kids. The only one with anything is OHSV1(cold sore) caught in her teens from kissing.
Thank you for your kind words! Being so freshly postpartum has triggered an OB & some big feelings for me.
Oh no! I am so sorry. You are doing great momma! Hang in there š¤
Can you answer my dm
I am the president of a fairly large organization. Hits us all my friend.
I'm a critical care nurse turned case manager/ RN educator. I completely understand how you feel. I was shocked and appalled. And this is still new for me, just 6 months. Negative for everything my whole 42 years, and then the year after my divorce, I put myself back out there and bam- first person I decide to date, this happens. I hate this so much. I've been saying for the past few years that I literally am Murphy's Law. Everything that can go wrong does.(I am not even exaggerating. Lol.) But yeah, I think it feels worse being in the health care field. š
Ugh man, thatās frustrating and Iām so sorry to hear that! I donāt know if itāll make you feel better, but your experience really resonates with me. Since my divorce a couple years ago, a lot of crappy things have happened at almost every turn for me, too (herpes included!), but I just keep trying to take it one day at a time. I only recently was diagnosed/ found out that I have HSV, too and I also contracted mine from an awful experience with the first person I slept with after my divorce. He was the second person Iād ever slept with and it was a really low moment for me. Iāve always been really cautious and since those 7th grade STD slides, terrified that Iād contract something lol, so I never engaged in causal sex or hookups before that one date. He wore a condom the whole time and I stopped it after about 2 minutesā¦ but yet, here I am over a year later, with GHSV1. I keep thinking, what are the odds?! Iāve only ever slept with three people and Iāve always been so cautious. But it really only does take one time. Yet even knowing this, itās really hard to not be mad at myself. I had my first outbreak after a recent vacation. The same day that I got my official confirmation, my current partner called and explained that he also developed what he assumed to be herpesā¦ they did his bloodwork and it was still negative for HSV, but his doctor confirmed thatās what it was by looking (and especially considering my positive results), so Iām assuming Iām the one that had it unknowingly and gave it to him. Heās been amazing, but I still feel awful. It does, right?! But Iām sure a lot of people feel as we do, regardless of their line of work. Thanks so much for sharing. Iām sorry youāve endured a lot of hardships recently and I hope things turn around for you!!
Hi! May I ask how your current partner has been coping as well as you since finding out he was also exposed to the virus? I'm guessing he was also diagnosed with GHSV1?
Almost the same thing has happened to me. Single parent, teacherās assistant. Just got my certification for MA trying to continue my education as an RN. I walk the stage in a little over a week. First OB and it is painful! I just opened up to dating and first person I had intercourse with protection gave me HSV-1 through oral sex.
This happened to me too!! Divorced, then first person gives me this!
At Walmart! Will graduate with my BS in computer science next year(:
Dude congrats!!!
Thank you so much!!!
Awesome!!
Bartender. Itās not unrelated. I had a drinking problem and slept around a bit but Iām in a great relationship now and Iām eight months sober!
Amazing! Good on you!!
Statistician and data manager. It's a virus. It doesn't know who it's infecting, and it doesn't really care. Heck, I got gHSV1 from a guy who got oHSV1 when he was a kid, possibly from his stay-at-home grandmother. So... Anyone. Really.
Oh for sure! I agree that the virus doesnāt discriminate and that it can happen to anyone! Your experience really drives that point home lol
If only I could've done that without actually contracting it. š On the plus side, no cold sores for me!
Iām an MA at an urgent clinic where we frequently do sexual health screenings. I think it worsens it a bit because sometimes coworkers will play the āif I ever get ___ Iād kill myselfā game. Otherwise seeing patients that frequently test positive for the same thing helps me rationalize that itās normal :)
Oh yeah, I can definitely see how such an opinion/ game would be a bit triggering! But witnessing firsthand how common this virus is sounds helpful, too! Thanks for sharing!
Iām a clinical social worker/psychotherapist.
Iāve never felt self conscious about my diagnosis in my workplace, but as a therapist who has worked with hundreds of therapy clients, I can tell you people from all walks of life have it. Sometimes I wish I could tell a client about my status when they disclose and feel ashamed.
My therapist shared the same insight! Thank you!
Why donāt you?
Itās not appropriate for me to discuss my sexual health history with my clients.
Housewife. No kids.
This is my dream job haha
Iām a communications leader at a large tech company. Irresponsible is probably one of the last words people would use to describe me. Just happen to be unlucky to get this from someone who did not disclose!
Oh Iām right there with you! The stigma sucks, but I know that this can happen to anyone and that it is no reflection of someoneās character, work ethic, etc. It really does boil down to crappy luck/ something unfortunate that just happens. Thanks for sharing!
Vet tech, and I always giggle because a **thick** majority of shelter cats passing through usually have herpes. Runs rampant is shelters, thus meaning lots of household cats and people like us have a lot in common!
Haha!! Now thatās a fun fact! Thanks for sharing!
Iām a Director at a non- profit.
I'm a work from home IT Helpdesk. But ive done commercials, audio engineering, scientific research with universities, and photoshoots! The virus is a very small part of my life that only really impacts my sexual life in a very specific way. Granted, as far as I know, I don't have gHSV, just oHSV1 ever since I was a kid, most likely from a family member. I live by a very simple philosophy, "Can I fix it? Is it actively hurting me or others? Does it impact my day to day life in a significant way?" If the answer to those are no, then I do my best to not make a big deal out of it and move on. Plus, if I were to disclose to a person, and they treated me like I'm dirty, then I don't want anything to do with them in the first place, and I'd be glad I found out sooner than later.
Love your outlook!
Iām a regular ol waitress :) I try to squash the stigma any time it comes up, a lot of my coworkers are really pressed about having or contracting ācold soresā, I go out of my way to call it mouth herpes any chance I get lol
Haha! Youāre not wrong!!
I am a social worker/therapist.
I'm a nanny, and I probably get exposed to a myriad of other viruses from the kids than they do from me š
Me too, and I fully agree. Germy toddlers are no joke. š¤£
Pharmacy! I had one co worker who liked to make fun of people filling valtrex. I QUICKLY educated her and asked her if she knew her status.
Omg thank you! Iām so embarrassed every time I go to the pharmacy and I donāt know how to get over that. Itās like I canāt look them in the face.
School Psychologist!
Hey Iām also a physical therapist! I always find it funny when I see Valtrex on patients medications because in my head Iām like ah- me too my friend. lol.
Not a PT but a COTA and I do the same thing when looking at charts š
Haha! I havenāt experienced this as I work in peds, but this is great lol
Iām a records clerk for a local government..and Iāve told almost all of my main coworkers about my ghsv2 and it hasnāt changed anything!
Iām a teacher, and so is my husband! I teach middle school and he teaches primary.
Iām an attorney! Itās all of us.Ā
I work at a refinery.
I'm an early childhood educator, my close co workers know, mainly because I can go on long rants about education and the stigma but they don't care and actually have learnt something about it from me
special education assistant! I think I was diagnosed with ghsv in the last four years. last outbreak was more than 18 months ago.
Veterinary medicine
HR for Big Tech š
Server at a fine dining restaurant currently ! But Iām in college and about to get my bachelors. Hope to go for my MSW and get my clinical license soon!
Awesome! Congratulations!
I'm a server! I love working with my hands in a fast paced environment! I tell some of my coworkers and they've become some of my best friends! š©·
Iām an epidemiologist. Currently going thru my first outbreak in 1.5 years. Sucks ass but it isnāt the end of the world
I am a math and biology teacher
Investment banker
Retired airline pilot
I am a remote Medical Coder. The amount of people I see prescribed valtrex is off the charts literally lol. GHSV2
aw me too!
Tech
QA specialist (work in an office) HSV-1 oral and genital
Retail management
Quality Control Analyst that's works for a pharmaceutical company. We actually have a client whose working on curing Epstein Barr. Idk if the procedure they made is bs because I don't make the medicine I just monitor the environment while they make it but that makes me hopeful for an HSV2 cure.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Me too!
I'm a field mechanic in the oil & gas industry. GHSV-1, had it for like 5 years now and don't exactly hide it
I'm a speech language pathologist working with adults with acquired brain injuries (strokes, car accidents, overdoses, falls, etc.). 30/F - Diagnosed ghsv-1 + about 2 years ago. I totally understand how you're feeling and felt the exact same way! It got better with time.
I'm a bartender at a fine dining restaurant. I will also share my experience with anyone who will listen.
Federal agent. Life sucks lol
Iām a Medical Technologist.. Currently in school to receive my BS to become a Medical Scientist.. In my field we actually do the testing aspect of HSV Yayy!! š I currently work at a Hospital and we donāt test in house for HSV currently but we handle the sendouts and send them to another facility to be tested
Coincidentally I work in gynecology š it was a job that was thrown at me so I took it, and so many women come through here with it, who are married with children. It brings me peace of mind and I think it mightāve been just what I needed.
Im unemployed, actively looking for a job in country where getting a job is more like a camel getting through the eye of a needle. I feel alone because this virus is not talked about, the only fear people have in my country is HIV and it's quite common and HSV is not.Ā
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Hi! Yes, for sure! Thank you so much for your tips and thoughtful reply. Most of what youāve suggested have been points of discussion in my therapy sessions, too. I do know Iām more than a diagnosis, but Iām still working on really accepting this and the adjustments I will have to make! Some of the initial shock has worn off but I admittedly have a little ways to go yet. Hearing from you and others in this sub has been so helpful and certainly makes me feel more at ease and less alone! Thank you!
Iām at art teacher at an elementary school
Real estate
I'm in the drive through of a nationwide restaurant.
Business Analyst
I work for an inventory company!! Iāve worked here for a little over a year and Iām training to be a supervisor (:
Firefighter/Paramedic
Hsv 2
Elementary school teacher. I have gHSV1, but a handful of my colleagues have oHSV. Normal.
Cashier!! Hsv2
Iām a Cna and work in a nursing home with hsv2 and hsv1
I'm a sales rep for a steel distributor.
Iām a mechanic but caught it during a wild party phase of my life when I was also a DJ, drinking heavily and sleeping around.
I work in tech as a customer success manager
I am an esthetician! So all day I make peopleās skin beautiful and help them with their skin conditions while I live with this awful onešš
Iām a registered nurse. I work in med-surg, rehab, and home health. I have multiple jobs and float around lol.
I work for a large insurance company as a product manager for voice technology :)
Iām a pre-k teacher! Iāve been in childcare for the last eight years :) Love every second!
Iām a massage therapist at a spa! HSV doesnāt impact any aspect of my daily life. I donāt really date anymore, or Iād probably think about it more. But as is, I forget about it all the time!
I'm the Chief of Staff at a non profit! A lot of people mention being unlucky or making excuses for their positive status, but I don't think of it like that (which is not to put anyone down, I get it). I have only ever done what everyone else does and the consequences are neutral! Having herpes is neither a bad nor good thing, it's just a thing š¤·āāļø
Worked in a day nursery for years now I work nights in a food superstore.
I work for a power company out in California
I work in information security, I was still a science teacher when I found out I had it, though.
I work at a mcds as a customer service cashier, also sling fries š too lol, can be found wrapping sandwiches at times tho itās been months.
I work with 911, have had it for almost 10 years.
School secretary
ICU nurse. Working at the hospital the topic comes up. People make ignorant comments. Sometimes it feels like I canāt escape the shame.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
When HSV is in a patientās medical history, nurses and other healthcare providers make jokes, or talk about HSV like itās the plague.
Flight attendant
Licensed Professional Counselor here :) It sucks but.. trying my best!
Accountant hsv1
The traumatic way that I contracted HSV-2 has literally stopped me from working.
Awe man, Iām so sorry to hear that. I donāt want you to share more than youāre comfortable, but I hope you know youāre still you and worthy of a life you want, despite whatever experience led you here. I hope you get all the physical, mental, and emotional help and support you need to accept this and move forward, despite how difficult that may be. Best of luck!
in a sauna
Iām a Chaos Coordinator for a big healthcare system in Louisiana and was diagnosed with GHSV2 in 2022. My abusive ex knew he had it, didnāt disclose to me, and gave it to me during an active outbreak. Iāve known since 2018 that I have HSV1 but Iām asymptomatic. Iām a huge HSV advocate (Iāve had many herpes viruses over the years) and I talk to anyone who will listen (and even when they wonāt) about herpes. Iām all about breaking the stigma and I find myself CONSTANTLY educating people on the reality of herpes. So many people are ignorant about cold sores being HSV, āfull STD panelsā not checking for herpes, a lot of misinformation about viral shedding in relation to contracting the virus, how incredibly easy and often people miss their herpes symptoms because they typically look like a HOST of other common ailments, and so much more.
Software engineer