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Today's episode is all about herpes! Discover herpes from both perspectives: the initial diagnosis, coping with the emotional rollercoaster, and ultimately finding acceptance. In this episode, I interviewed Lochee, who reached out to me after listening to a 2022 podcast where I openly discussed my own experience with herpes.It's been incredible to witness his journey from seeking advice to achieving such a positive mindset today. I'm so bloody proud of how much Lochee has accepted his diagnosis and knows this does NOT define him. Knowing that others are open about their experiences fosters acceptance and proves that vulnerability is truly a superpower.We hope you feel that superpower after listening to this episode!This STI is still so heavily stigmatised and my goal is the smash these stigmas and give you the hard facts. Having herpes simplex is normal!FACTS:- 80% of Australia's have herpes (HSV 1 or HSV 2)- 12% of Australian's have genital herpes (HSV 2)- You do not legally have to disclose that have herpes (but ethically & morally its the right thing to do)- Herpes is in the same family as chicken poxTo be infected with a herpes virus is therefore a state of normality, not an abnormality. It happens to all adults, some of us with symptoms and some without.The key thing is not whether you are infected or not, but whether it is causing symptoms or not – and if it is, then what can be done about it.Ask SHINE SA: The Good News is Herpes Isn’t as Bad as You Thinkhttps://shinesa.org.au/herpes-isnt-as-bad-as-you-think/https://shinesa.org.au/herpes-isnt-as-bad-as-you-think/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0World Health Organisation: Herpeshttps://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virusLook at the bottom for the PDF pamphlethttps://www.herpes.org.nz/herpes-patient-info/herpes-relationshipsVALTREX valaciclovirhttps://www.tga.gov.au/resources/artg/73917https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/artg/73917%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0TGA informationhttps://www.tga.gov.au/products/medicines/find-information-about-medicine/prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-databasehttps://www.tga.gov.au/products/medicines/find-information-about-medicine/prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-database%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0Herpes & The Law: You do not legally have to disclose that you have herpes https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/phact/Pages/pha-s79.aspxhttps://www.health.nsw.gov.au/phact/Pages/pha-s79.aspx%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0