I have genital herpes, along with 55 million of my closest friends (in the U.S.). Ba-dum-bum, that's the punchline, funnier than Dennis Miller, to be sure, but that ain't saying much.
Waiting around for a herpes cure is like watching grass grow...in the Astrodome. Hey, another funny. But then a few days ago I read about a promising line of research on a vaccine that would stop herpes flare-ups in those already infected, and prevent infection for the uninfected. Peruse and analyze:
http://www.montana.edu/...
Unfortunately, the project is strapped for cash, and funding from corporations and the government is scarce. I emailed the researcher and suggested 55 million possible sources of funding. I was pleasantly surprised to discover, just days later, that online contributions can now be accepted. Praise the Tubes!
If you are a herpes hermit like me, you don't like talking about it, thinking about it, or having it. It completely shuts down your love life, because you NEVER want to see the look on a prospective lover's face when you tell them your little secret. It's goes like this: Why touch, if it only leads to humiliation. Why converse, if you cannot touch. Why even look, if you conversation is futile. After awhile, you just look away.
Ruminating, you just wish the disease would go away, or kill you or SOMETHING. But it won't. Ever. Unless some scientific genius (like Bill Halford) finds a way to defeat it. You think maybe the cure would be worth a Nobel Prize? I think it would be worth a hundred-foot tall statue made of gold.
Caveat: I have no idea if this line of research will pan out. There's never a guarantee. But if you decide that this particular project seems legitimate and promising, then it's something you can contribute to, if you or someone you care for has this disease.
Here's a link to where you can contribute online to the Herpes Vaccine Fund:
http://vmb.montana.edu/...
It's not a quick-click donation, but it's not terribly difficult. If you've got herpes, take your time...