Millions of people have herpes, and plenty of them are in relationships. For most couples, herpes isnt a huge deal. Try to go into the conversation with a calm, positive attitude. Having herpes is simply a health issue — it doesnt say anything about you as a person.

Does HSV shorten your life?

Becoming infected with the herpes virus seriously complicates your social, emotional and sexual life, but it is not otherwise a terribly dangerous condition to have. Having genital herpes does make it easier to get HIV (and thus AIDS), but otherwise, the condition is not disabling, and does not reduce lifespan.

Will HSV ever be cured?

Currently, there is no cure. Most people with herpes do not show symptoms, but the infection can also cause painful ulcers and blisters. Those without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) typically causes oral herpes, but may also cause genital herpes .