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Updated: Jul 27, 2026

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Supporting the patient with genital HSV infection
1Department of GU Medicine, Royal South Hants Hospital, Brintons Terrace, Southampton, Hants SO9 4PE, UK. rp_suht@mail.msn.com
Abstract:
How a clinician informs a patient that they have genital herpes, and counsels them during diagnosis and treatment, has a critical impact on the patient's long-term adjustment to herpes. Allowing adequate time for discussion (and ensuring that the patient understands the information provided) enables the patient to gain sufficient understanding of genital herpes and helps them to adjust well to the infection. Support should focus on empowering the patient to take control of their disease so that they understand the need to practise safer sex consistently, discuss their disease openly with partners, and treat herpes outbreaks appropriately. The value of suppressive antiviral therapy and consistent condom use to help the patient control their disease, its transmission and its psychological sequelae, should not be underestimated.
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