Herpes is a condition capable of causing considerable distress, mostly for psychological and social reasons. This text contrasts the media image with medical and epidemiological evidence and discusses ways distress can be alleviated. It is aimed at sufferers as well as doctors and other health professionals. The first part of the book examines the roles of accurate information and empathetic support, medical treatment and support groups. Other chapters use the experiences of people with the condition in differnet parts of their bodies to illustrate how the meaning of herpes simplex and response to the symptoms alters in association with life changes. The final chapters discuss the importance of the Herpes Association in acquiring a store of knowledge about people’s experiences and highlights the significance of herpes simplex as a public health problem.