Genital herpes is still a taboo. While almost all French people have heard of it, few really know it, and a majority think it is difficult to talk about it with those close to them.
Genital herpes almost everyone knows about it, but not necessarily well. This is what reveals a Harris Interactive poll for HRA Pharma, carried out on the occasion of National Herpes Day, on November 20. More than 1,000 French people over the age of 15 were questioned about their knowledge and perception of this sexually transmitted infection. This remains taboo even though it affects 17% of the French population.
94% have “heard of it” …
Genital herpes is the fourth most common STI in the world. This explains why 94% of respondents have already heard of the disease. But a majority admits that they do not have precise knowledge.
The more detailed survey questions confirm these claims. Thus, half of the respondents think that genital herpes can be cured, while no treatment allows it. And while 89% say that an STI can affect anyone, only 13% believe they are at risk of being exposed to it.
… But very few really know him
7 out of 10 French people consider it easy to prevent genital herpes. But a majority attribute the infection to bad causes. For 43% of respondents it is the consequence of poor hygiene, 37% of bathroom linen exchanges and almost as many believe that it results from contact with the toilet bowl.
In reality, the transmission of the herpes virus occurs through genital, orogenital, anal, and sometimes masturbatory contact. There is also a risk of mother-to-child infection during childbirth… which 61% of survey respondents do not know.
Another notable source of errors: the manifestations of genital herpes. Of those who are carriers, 80% have clinical symptoms. But a quarter of them don’t know they are infected. No wonder that: at the top of the signs spontaneously cited by those surveyed comes itching … although it is not a symptom of genital herpes but of a yeast infection. “The imprecision of the knowledge of the symptoms of genital herpes further underlines the need for information”, deplores HRA Pharma in a press release.
Taboo and recklessness
The French remain aware that they do not know much about genital herpes: 74% believe that it is not well known, and 80% want better information on the subject. But they still claim that the subject is taboo, which contributes to this bad knowledge. Indeed, in the vast majority of cases, respondents find it difficult to talk about genital herpes with those around them (91%) or their partner (55%). They prefer to turn to a specialist (80%) or a general practitioner (71%) to address the subject.
To fight against this generalized ignorance, HRA Pharma is launching the traveling information campaign “Herpes in the city”, which will be held November 20. A bus with gynecologists and dermatologists on board will meet the public to discuss this disease.
From October 13, a number will also be available for people wishing to get information: the 0 800 437 737 (free call from a landline, open Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.).
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