Flings and affairs may seem exciting, adding an adrenaline rush in the moment, but when life starts to settle back down, the consequences of these actions become clearer, with herpes being a forerunner of these consequences.
Although you can easily catch herpes from a long-term partner or in a monogamous relationship as you can from a one-night stand, being sexually promiscuous does increase your risk of acquiring herpes or any other STD.
One in four people in the United States have or have been exposed to herpes, and most are not aware that they have it, or that the virus can be transmissible even when blisters are not visible. Since the virus can remain dormant for years, many people go on with their relationships without knowing that they have the virus until it is passed to their partner.
Couples involved with flings and affairs typically are involved with a “stranger,” meaning an individual who’s official health record you have never seen or have had confirmed to be STD-free.
Yes, this does qualify people you’ve known for most of your life to be “strangers” sexually.
The more “strangers” you’ve been with sexually, the greater your chances are of contracting the virus.
If you think you may have herpes, the first steps to take are to visit a doctor and get a physical. If you have contracted the herpes virus, follow your doctor’s instructions and stay hopeful. Although herpes is forever, it does not mean you must live a solitaary life. Turn to a close-knit support group — friends, counselors, family and doctors.
If it turns out you do not have the virus, good.
However, it doesn’t stop there.
If you’re having an affair, tell your partner or spouse. Your partner also needs to take precautionary measures because there is no guarantee it cannot get passed on to him or her. If you’re having constant flings, make a change to your sex life and understand why you must make this change. You will need to make more conscientious choices to maintain good sexual health.
