You have enjoyed the company of someone and you think it may become more than just friends. Then they tell you they have Herpes. How do you react? What do you do?
First of all, relax. There is no reason to run for the hills. Perhaps you have not considered this before, but Herpes is very common. In the United States, 20% of all adults have Herpes! Even more startling is the facts that 90% of those who have it do not know they have it. With those statistics you have probably faced this before, without even knowing. The fact that your friend/partner has been forthright with the information shows that they are mature and responsible people. More than likely they were not given that same consideration in the past and fell victim to an infected partner. They however, want to be honest with you and that should tell you the caliber of person they are.
There is plenty of time to talk about the illness and the symptoms and precautions that will need to be addressed. There is no hurry to make a decision and jump into bed today. Communication and respect for each other is the key.
The things that attracted you to this person still exist. They are still the same person and you can still have a relationship, if you want to. Herpes can be handled safely and you can be protected. The point is it would be silly to throw away a great relationship because of a problem that is as common as a common cold. However, if you are not willing to adjust a bit in order to have a relationship with this person, you are free to exit.
There are medications a person with herpes can take. Valtrex for example, reduces the chance of spreading the virus to a non-infected partner by up to 73%. The use of condoms also strongly reduces the likelihood of contracting the virus.
The infected person that knows they are infected will know the symptoms of when the virus is active. They will be able to tell you when there is a break-out of the disease and during those times, refraining from sexual contact is advised.
Though there is no cure for herpes, it can effectively be managed. If you care about a person, or think you may in the future; it would be sad to discount that person without giving it a chance. Love is a rare commodity in this world. Many couples who are married and have children together have managed to keep the non-infected partner herpes free, as well as the children they conceived.
If you have had sexual contact with someone who has herpes, it is your responsibility to get tested for the STD. If you have it, you need to know how to care for yourself. And in that case, you may be the one telling your next potential lover if the issue. Be smart and be safe.Or the best solution is dating someone with herpes.