Herpes: A dilemma for client and clinician

Abstract

The chronicity of the disease and the fact that no cure exists has the effect of significantly altering the quality of life of its victims. A knowledgeable and sensitive nurse can reduce the anxiety and stress associated with having this disease through client education, counseling, and supportive physical care. Herpes genitalia is a serious sexually transmitted disease. Five million Americans have genital herpes and an estimated 500,000 new cases are occurring annually. This article describes the incidence, etiology, clinical course, diagnosis, and treatment of the epidemic disease. Material was obtained from the latest reports in the medical and scientific journals along with information from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta.