I am a herpes peer support provider and herpes awareness campaigner. "What does that mean?" you might ask.

Basically, I provide peer support to people living with herpes because I am living with it too ... and I know how challenging that can be, especially at the beginning. I am listed as a H-Pal on the Herpes HELP site, and have also set up a peer support program in Australia - the AussieHMate program on my own website Living Sphere.

My herpes awareness activities are varied - including writing articles and creating websites, running herpes forums, actively promoting awareness in the media whenever I can, making myself available for interviews, gathering data via surveys, and even writing a book on herpes!

Why do I do it?

Because I have 'been there'. I know how difficult it can be for some people to adjust to having a lifelong virus, particularly one which impacts on your relationships and sexuality.

And, because of the stigma! Herpes is such a common virus and yet because it can be contracted sexually there is a huge stigma attached to it! People are afraid to talk about it, afraid to admit to having it, afraid of being rejected because of it!

I want to encourage people to face those fears, and conquer them! You can have a loving relationship, you can have children and create a fabulous life, even though you do have this little bug! Having herpes does not mean that everyone will reject you, it does not mean that you cannot have a family, or a warm and loving sexual relationship!

The keys to managing herpes are simply: education, management and acceptance.

Education - learn as much as you can about it. Get your hands on the booklets produced by the antiviral companies, read reputable websites and talk to your doctor.

Management - Get to know your herpes! What triggers outbreaks, what works best for you to clear them up quickly. There are natural products as well as antiviral drugs which you can take - find out what is the most effective treatment for you (note, some people do not require any treatment as their symptoms are infrequent or non-existent).

Acceptance - Accept that you have it for life (a vaccine or cure may be possible at some time in the future, but right now accept it as with you for life!). A part of accepting your herpes is also being open and honest about it. That doesn't mean you have to tell the world you have herpes, but you do need to be honest with those who it has the potential to affect - your sexual partners.

If you need help with any of the above, check out the many herpes support forums and resources on the net, or feel free to get in touch with me direct anytime.

Best wishes

Jeannie May