Be Young And Stupid

As soon as I was diagnosed, all I wanted to do was read anything and everything herpes related. I’ve read two books almost entirely and so many websites I can’t keep track. Every once in a while I come across an article that’s helpful. I’ll post my favorites here and give a little review. 

“Taking Charge of Your Life: Your DVD and Guide to Managing Genital Herpes” by GlaxoSmithKline Group (2006)

This was one of the first things I had the chance to rifle through after being diagnosed. It was helpful because it has a calendar that explains outbreaks and when you are most contagious. It also had more information—I never did get to the DVD (I figured it would just be reiterating the same stuff in the pamphlet, and also be super lame). I got this from my doctor, and it’s sponsored by Valtrex, so most offices should have them!

American Social Health Association:

http://ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_overview.cfm

Support Groups By State: 

http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_comm_support.cfm

Discussion Boards: 

http://ashastd.org/phpBB/index.php

I haven’t had the chance to fully look through everything in this website, but I like what I see. It gives links to helpful books, and has articles on new research about herpes. 

HC Support Network:

http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/messageforum/forum.php

This website was one of my first great finds! It’s got a message board (you have to sign up to post) and links to information about herpes. I seriously suggest this website if you need someone to vent to, people to relate to, or tips and tricks to managing outbreaks!

“The Good News About The Bad News; Herpes: Everything You Need To Know” by Terri Warren, RN, NP

I can’t say enough good things about this book! I ordered it off of amazon.com and read it cover to cover. It has so much important information and helpful tips. I have developed a great routine to managing herpes thanks to this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who has herpes because it gives information on symptoms, triggers, treatment, how to tell a potential partner, and even more.

“Damaged Goods? Women Living with Incurable Sexually Transmitted Diseases” by Adina Nack, Ph.D.

While I will always feel that this book was poorly named, simply for the fact that all of us with herpes don’t need another reminder of sometimes feeling like “damaged goods” I still feel like this book is worth owning. While it didn’t give as much information, it did help with many stories of people with HSV, HIV/AIDS and HPV. It is the emotional side of living with herpes, and it was helpful to me knowing that there are stories in the book that I relate to. 

If anyone has any website or book suggestions, please let me know!