Press Release

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Even in the sexually promiscuous 1970s, most people who had genital herpes kept quiet. After all, having herpes was akin to being a social leper.

When AIDS became an epidemic, it opened the doors to talking more openly about sexually transmitted diseases. Still, no one seemed to talk much about herpes, one of the world's oldest ailments.

One in five Americans - about 45 million people - is thought to have genital herpes, though most don't even know it. Since the 1970s, the number of diagnoses has increased by 30 percent.

For many people, herpes is emotionally devastating, and carries a stigma that leads them to live in secret with the virus. It can lead to depression, suicide, embarrassment and celibacy. An outbreak can last only a few days, but the shame can last forever. A virus doesn't change who we are, yet knowing it exists does affect how we feel.

Finally, however, there is something in Omaha that is giving people with herpes the tools they need to start over again: Omaha Profoundly Affected Lovable Singles (OmahaPALS) social group has been formed to meet the growing demands of those who don't want herpes to define their lives. OmahaPALS provides safe opportunities to meet and interact with other people afflicted by the virus. We think the best way to cope with genital herpes is to get into the mainstream of life - not withdraw from it.

"I can't even remember when I had my last outbreak," says J.P., a professional man who has suffered with the disease for over a decade. "But I didn’t date any more because I couldn’t face having to tell another person I have herpes and having them reject me. Now, instead of feeling like I am the only person in the world with herpes, I am part of a community. It's really fantastic not to have my little "secret" hanging over my head."

"OmahaPALS really caters to the social aspects of living with herpes," says DJ, of OmahaPALS. "So many people live with embarrassment, shame and fear that others will find out. The Internet has really given us an opportunity to put people in touch with each other so they can help each other to get on with their lives. Through OmahaPALS, many of the people who once felt they were alone have met new friends.”

“Today I'm so busy with living life, that I don't spend much time worrying about spoiling my white picket fence because of herpes. I have a lot to be thankful for and am very much aware of the gifts I have. Having HSV has brought some wonderful people into my life,” says L.A.

Despite the large number of people living quietly with the stigma of the herpes virus, very little has been reported on how herpes affects their lives. I hope you will consider writing a story that addresses this issue. If you would like more information on OmahaPALS, please contact me by email at opalsemail@aol.com. Or check out our web site at https://omahapals.tripod.com/opals.

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