Understanding HSV-1 vs. HSV-2: Why Stigma Matters More Than You Think
HSV-1 versus HSV-2, what’s the difference? And does it matter?
I’ve shared this visual before, but I think it’s important to continue sharing. So often there is a comparison between these two types and which is “better” or “worse” to have.
When you’re diagnosed with herpes, stigma arises in ways you might not expect. “Well, at least it’s just the one that causes cold sores.” Or, “I got it because my partner had cold sores, not the ~other~ one.”
I could go on and on of the hierarchal phrases I’ve heard, seen, and will likely continue to witness that are used as self-consolation and ways of distancing oneself from the stigma.
I avoid numbers + statistics + rates of transmission in this chart because I find that they can be distracting in differentiating between HSV-1 vs. HSV-2 and understanding how stigma manifests. Arguing frequency is another mechanism that keeps genital herpes stigma afloat. Recurrences typically lessen over time, but it does vary by person.
As we learned in yesterday’s post, the root of society’s discomfort is the location (oral or genital). This ultimately stems from society’s own discomfort with sexuality.
This stigma also prevents folks from disclosing oral HSV-1 to their partners. When labeled as “cold sores,” HSV is de-sexed. Some people are unable to conceptualize that cold sores are herpes and can transmit to their partners through oral-to-genital contact.
I’ve even seen some educators discourage disclosure of HSV-1 when performing oral on their partners. An unwillingness to disclose oral HSV-1 to your partners is another mechanism rooted in the power of hierarchal herpes stigma.
For more information that exists beyond this graphic, please check out @ashasexualhealth @who + @cdcgov