Why is everyone so afraid of herpes, and why they should they be? In this episode, Cat Dupree breaks down how herpes became the most judged and misunderstood STI of all time. From the infamous 1982 TIME Magazine cover to the rise of stigma-fueled media, she unpacks where all the shame started, what the science actually says, and how to finally let go of the fear. If you're living with HSV1 or HSV2 or just want to understand the truth beyond the headlines, this one’s for you.

✅ How TIME Magazine helped create the shame around herpes

✅ How antivirals like Acyclovir and Valtrex reduce outbreaks and transmission

✅ How herpes went from a virus to a public punchline

✅ Why stigma still exists even though herpes is common and manageable

✅ What we all can do to break the silence—and the shame—for good

By the end of this episode, you’ll know the truth about herpes, the stigma, and why the real problem isn’t the virus—it’s the silence around it.

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