Was Herpes Such a Big Deal in the Past

Why Herpes Became a "Big Deal"

1. Medical Advancements and Testing: As diagnostic tools and testing improved, more people were being diagnosed with herpes. This led to a spike in awareness of how widespread the virus really was, causing a shift in perception. Once people started identifying it as an STI, stigma grew.

2. Media Sensationalism: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, herpes was the subject of widespread media panic. Headlines declared it a "new sexual plague" or "modern scarlet letter," which only amplified the stigma and fear surrounding the condition. The way herpes was portrayed in the media made it seem like a life-altering, socially isolating condition, even though it is a common and manageable virus.

3.Changing Attitudes Toward Sexual Health: With the rise of awareness about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), particularly in the wake of the HIV/AIDS crisis, people became more cautious about infections spread through sexual contact. Herpes, although not life-threatening like HIV, was lumped into conversations about the risks of sexual activity, further increasing its perceived gravity

4. God's punishment: In the early days of herpes awareness, some orthodox religious groups contributed to the stigma by framing the virus as a form of divine punishment for sexual immorality. The association of herpes with sexual activity made it a convenient symbol for those promoting abstinence and moral purity, reinforcing the idea that contracting the virus was a consequence of straying from religious teachings on sexuality. This perception, rooted in the belief that diseases were often punishments for sinful behavior, amplified feelings of shame and guilt for those diagnosed with herpes, further isolating individuals from seeking support or treatment. With medical advance, other STDs were treatable, so herpes got to be the black sheep.

Was It a Big Deal in Ancient Times?

Modern Perspective