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Treating herpes “down under” |
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Health and well being
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Written by VIVA!
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Thursday, 30 July 2009 04:32 |
Australian survey to shed light on treating herpes “down under”
Australians living with the nation’s second most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) are being urged to convey their experience and challenges by completing a new online study.
The Australian Herpes Management Forum (AHMF) is calling for people who have been diagnosed with and treated for genital herpes to participate in the Genital Herpes Patient Perspectives Survey of herpes management and treatment practices. The survey, located at ahmf.com.au/herpes-treatment-survey, will provide an up-to-date snapshot of the views of Australians living with genital herpes.
According to leading infectious disease expert, Professor Tony Cunningham, Director of the Westmead Millennium Institute and Research Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, the online survey has been designed to improve clinical understanding of patient experiences and thoughts on the most effective treatments available for genital herpes.
“Gathering Australian-specific information about current experiences with treatment will allow the healthcare community to respond directly to the needs and concerns of people living with genital herpes.
“It is important that people with genital herpes understand the treatment options available and can evaluate which option is best for them, particularly given that 12 per cent of Australians over the age of 25 are carrying the virus,”1 said Prof Cunningham.
All survey respondents will be canvassed on their diagnosis and treatment experience. In particular, they will be asked for their thoughts on episodic treatment [treating the genital herpes outbreaks as they occur] and suppressive treatment [taking daily medication to reduce the chance of an outbreak occurring].2 The information provided by all survey respondents will remain strictly anonymous.
One-in-eight Australians has genital herpes.1 Evidence suggests that the incidence of genital herpes in Australia is increasing, particularly among Gen Y.3 An Australian online survey, conducted in 2006-2007 that assessed a person’s risk of contracting genital herpes, revealed that 51 per cent of survey participants were at “medium” risk of contracting the genital herpes virus, while 34 per cent were at “high” risk.4
Given that genital herpes is generally transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly through sexual contact, the virus can spread easily from person-to-person. While some people with genital herpes have no noticeable symptoms, others can experience their first outbreak two-to-20 days after coming into contact with the virus.5
“Most of the time, the genital herpes virus lies inactive and often without symptoms. When re-activated, the virus travels down the nerve paths to the surface of the skin, causing an outbreak,”6 said Prof Cunningham.
“Even after the first outbreak of genital herpes, the virus stays in the body for life.6
“It is possible to pass on the virus, with or without symptoms,”5 Prof Cunningham said.
“While there is currently no cure for genital herpes, providing effective, patient-friendly management and treatment options is essential to supporting those living with the virus.”
To participate in the Genital Herpes Patient Perspectives Survey, go to: http://ahmf.com.au/herpes-treatment-survey
For more information, or to co-ordinate an interview with Prof Tony Cunningham, please contact Kirsten Bruce or Michaela Patton from VIVA! Communications on 02 9884 9011 or m. 0401 717 566 / 0423 877 748.
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