The stats are in and despite studies proving that most people have some form of herpes, according to physicians interviewed for the book, the CDC still actively discourages medical practitioners from including herpes in a “complete STD panel.” The reason? Everyone has it. It’s the Pink Elephant in the Bedroom that nobody is talking about. The rules have changed. In the world of sex education, condoms are no longer enough. The University of Washington dropped the bombshell that 85% of single women 35-55 are HSV-2 positive, and most don’t even know it. According to the CDC, of those testing positive for HSV-2 infection, more than 80% said they had never been told by a doctor or health-care professional that they had genital herpes.
“This study serves as a stark reminder that herpes remains a common and serious health threat in the United States,” said Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention. “Everyone should be aware of the symptoms, risk factors and steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of this lifelong and incurable infection.” And while everyone should be aware, the study also showed 81.1% of HSV-2 infections were asymptomatic or unrecognized.
So is life over? What can be done to stop this epidemic from spreading? For those who already are infected, what will make the virus more manageable? JulieAnn Engel answers those questions and more in her new book, “The Pink Elephant in the Bedroom” (out November 7 on Amazon). In it she reveals natural and organic methods that offer a powerful alternative to pharmaceutical options, have no side effects and help boost your bodies own natural immune response to lessen the effects of all viruses. And the #1 way to help stop the spread of herpes? Talk about it! Information and knowledge are the most powerful weapons needed to combat the epidemic.
In the 1980’s, HIV campaigns spread knowledge and helped curb the spread of the virus. It also spread tolerance and understanding. “Herpes has a stigma attached to it that even H.I.V. doesn’t have anymore,” said Dr. Anna Wald, a virologist at the University of Washington. In her book, JulieAnn dissects the virus, the emotional impact, the strategies and solutions to take control of it, and how to have a conversation about it with a partner. If knowledge is power, then this book contains the arsenal needed to win.
