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EPISODE 3 - Herpes and HIV

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Don't get into a threesome with Herpes and HIV

 The third episode of the new series of Siyayinqoba Beat It! deals with herpes and its role in the spread of HIV/AIDS

A segment from Khayelitsha shows the lack of understanding of the disease in our communities. What becomes apparent is that some of us clearly have a vague idea about herpes and know it is contracted sexually, but it also becomes apparent that not many South Africans are willing to take responsibility for their actions. It shows how when we place blame elsewhere instead of taking responsibility, we merely compound the problem of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

Read what a group of young men from Khayelitsha learnt about the herpes virus and how another group came to the realisation that sexual networks and multiple partners lead to an increased risk of infection.

We get educated about herpes and learn that there are in fact two different types of this disease. We also learn what the symptoms are and how to know if you have contracted it. The concept of sexual networks is also introduced, demonstrating how easily diseases like herpes are contracted and spread if you or your partner has multiple partners.

This episode importantly drives home the fact that herpes heightens the risk of HIV contraction due to the skin breaking on the genitals during a herpes outbreak. Viewers are encouraged to go to a clinic to treat herpes rather than relying on traditional healers and as always, the key message is to always use a condom when having sex.

In another segment we meet Nandi from Hillbrow and hear about her experience with herpes. This segment reinforces the fact that you should seek help from a clinic as soon as you experience any of the symptoms; and in order to protect yourself and your partner, you should talk frankly and openly with each other at all times.

IT'S A FACT

Young men outside a clinic

Sexual network discussion

 

 Sexually transmitted infections are very common in South Africa, as many as 10% of adults have at least one STI every year.
Having an STI greatly increases your chance of contracting HIV.
The discharge from STIs in people who are HIV positive contains a high concentration of HIV, which makes them very infectious during unprotected sex.
Herpes, which produces many small breaks in the skin (lesions), is one of the most common STIs.
These lesions, associated with STIs, create entry points for HIV to pass into the blood stream through unprotected sex.
Herpes is a lifelong viral infection, which can be treated and even prevented using Acyclovir, but is incurable.
The recurring outbreaks of herpes makes it strongly associated with risk of HIV infection.
Lesions associated with herpes may be small and not easily noticeable, especially in women.
Other STIs might also occur with minor or unnoticed symptoms.