ABSTRACT
One might well wonder what kind of condition could induce its sufferers to express such a wide range of very negative feelings including shock, devastation, fear, anger, bitterness, hate, disgust, isolation, exposure, vulnerability, grief, shame, guilt, feeling unclean, tainted, or like a leper, worthless, handicapped for life, hopeless, and suicidal? Without adequate support and accurate information, a diagnosis of HSV infection can plunge the recipient into despair associated with the thought that they are stuck with the condition for life, that an intimate relationship is no longer possible, and that life is no longer worth living.
