Why is everyone so afraid of herpes, and why they should they be? In this episode, Cat Dupree breaks down how herpes became the most judged and misunderstood STI of all time. From the infamous 1982 TIME Magazine cover to the rise of stigma-fueled media, she unpacks where all the shame started, what the science actually says, and how to finally let go of the fear. If you're living with HSV1 or HSV2 or just want to understand the truth beyond the headlines, this one’s for you.

✅ How TIME Magazine helped create the shame around herpes

✅ How antivirals like Acyclovir and Valtrex reduce outbreaks and transmission

✅ How herpes went from a virus to a public punchline

✅ Why stigma still exists even though herpes is common and manageable

✅ What we all can do to break the silence—and the shame—for good

By the end of this episode, you’ll know the truth about herpes, the stigma, and why the real problem isn’t the virus—it’s the silence around it.

Join our online community and participate in herpes discussion forums for free: https://www.herpeswellness.com/

Wondering how to tell someone you have herpes? Or when the “right time” is to bring it up? In this episode, Cat Dupree breaks down what actually matters when it comes to herpes disclosure—without the fluff or BS.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Being Okay with Having Herpes
• Does It Matter How You Say It?
• Feeling Safe and What It Means
• When Are You Ready to Disclose?
• When is the Right Time to Tell Someone?

✅ Join our online community and participate in herpes discussion forums for free: https://www.herpeswellness.com/

👇🏻 Download the Herpes Wellness community app: App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/herpes-wellness/id6746517614 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.herpeswellness.community&pcampaignid=web_share&pli=1

Confused about herpes testing? You’re not alone. Between swab tests, IgM, IgG, and the Western Blot, it can be hard to know which test is accurate, when to take it, and how to avoid false positives.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through:

✅ How each herpes test works – swab, IgM, IgG, and Western Blot

✅ The best timing for testing to avoid false negatives

✅ Why IgM tests are unreliable (and even the CDC says skip them)

✅ How to interpret low positive IgG results

✅ When and why to confirm with a Western Blot

✅ How to get accurate results and avoid unnecessary anxiety

By the end, you’ll know exactly which herpes test to ask for, when to take it, and how to confirm your results so you don’t walk away with the wrong diagnosis.