18 and herpes

[dying2know]

I’m just 18 and was diagnosed of having genital herpes. I don’t know how long I can hide this from my parents. I don’t want to take any medication because they might find out about it. Help..

[Gigabitch]

Then you'd better be prepared to keep it in your pants until you're ready to be a responsible adult about it.

[vashti]

aw, that's too bad, but it isn't the end of the world. It really isn't something you need to tell your parents about, though. Maybe you can get medication through Planned Parenthood for a reduced cost? Check with them. They can also talk to you about being sexually responsible so you don't pass this on.

[Sonrisa]

it's nothing to worry about really. one out of five people have had the infection according to statistics. get yourself a prescription of Valtrex, planned parenthood is a good place to start for young people, thank you Vashti. there's a huge chance that you might never get another breakout again, but make sure to always wear condoms during intercourse, unless you have a steady relationship with someone who already had herpes.

you do need medication though to prevent another outbreak.

[vashti]

It's important to know that even if you aren't having an outbreak, you can still pass this virus to another person, and if you are female, you can pass it to a baby during childbirth.

[little pingoin]

You'll be happy to know that in 20 years there might be a cure :[url]http://std.about.com/od/herpes/f/microrna.htm[/url]

Until then, use protection and get an Rx for Valtrex to avoid spreading the love.

[Illusional]

there are free clinics that you can go to,..but then again, bums also go to these same clinics. in the long run, it's better to break down the bad news and get the proper support.

raverboy

[CAM]

wow. Pretty young to face a very serious and permanent reality. Yeah, don't be the person who transmits it to others.

[German_coco]

that sucks.... sorry to hear like they said get some treatment or keep it in your pants

[Rollerderby]

Unless you have a really close relationship with your parents, I wouldn't recommend it. Unless they are ready to be completely supportive of you, it's not a guilt trip you need right now. Do go to planned parenthood and start educating yourself on how to take care of it. I've heard warm baths can be soothing if you're having a painful break-out.

Don't be irresponsible like the person who passed it to you.

[vashti]

To be fair, a lot of carriers are asymptomatic, and don't realize they have it when they pass it on.

[Illusional]

so that's what you gave me huh vash??

raverboy

[vashti]

Nope - there are other surprises in store for you.

[misombra]

it would probably be helpful if you took good care of your immune system.

[CAM]

it would probably be helpful if you took good care of your immune system.

Wow, very true. A lot of people don't realize that one hit on the immune system leads to other problems down the road (i.e., as you get older and begin to become more susceptible to...everything).