My attention was drawn to the old billboard near our place and read the only English word "Family Day". I was reminded of the photo below the first Family Day I ever attended here in Thailand. I was invited by a Thai friend with his family to join them because they treated me as their eldest. I came to knew them in the chirch where I fellowshipped before and most of the church members commented that we're like sisters-I'm the older version of Mona (that's the name of the girl next to me). That's the start of our acquaintance and friendship.
April 14 each year is observed as Family Day in Thailand. The observance has been part of the Songkran period since 1991. As Songkran Festival brings family members for reunions, the Thai government in 1990 decided to designate April 14 Family Day. The designation is meant to underline the importance of the family institution.
It was during this time that the speaker talk about the morality of Thai has gradually deteriorated. If my memory serves me right, she also mentioned that figures like-half of the general population actually have herpes. Only a third of the infected population show visible signs of herpes. The other two thirds with who have can only transmit the virus to other people. That sounds a bit much,but I'm only going by what I heard. Herpes is an infection that is caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face. Genital herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You can get it from having sex, even oral sex. The virus can spread even when sores are not present. Mothers can also infect their babies during childbirth.
Some people have no symptoms. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. They turn into blisters, become itchy and painful, and then heal. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems.
Most people have outbreaks several times a year. Over time, you get them less often. Medicines to help your body fight the virus can help lessen symptoms and decrease outbreaks. Correct usage of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading herpes.
When I heard about this, I remembered that Kris Aquino once came out publicly with the fact that she has herpes (generally she was referring to Genital Herpes, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2.)- a brave plight appreciated by all those affected HSV.
It's truly inspiring when someone in a position of influence makes the choice to stand up and be counted as a person infected with herpes.
Now listen up. There is nothing terrible about herpes. It is a medical condition that is treatable. I wish that more celebrities would speak out about their herpes condition someday because they could make a lot of young men and women feel more normal rather than stigmatized. And with attention comes education, and perhaps a few more people would get the treatment that is easily obtainable.
Some people have no symptoms. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. They turn into blisters, become itchy and painful, and then heal. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems.
Most people have outbreaks several times a year. Over time, you get them less often. Medicines to help your body fight the virus can help lessen symptoms and decrease outbreaks. Correct usage of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading herpes.
When I heard about this, I remembered that Kris Aquino once came out publicly with the fact that she has herpes (generally she was referring to Genital Herpes, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2.)- a brave plight appreciated by all those affected HSV.
It's truly inspiring when someone in a position of influence makes the choice to stand up and be counted as a person infected with herpes.
Now listen up. There is nothing terrible about herpes. It is a medical condition that is treatable. I wish that more celebrities would speak out about their herpes condition someday because they could make a lot of young men and women feel more normal rather than stigmatized. And with attention comes education, and perhaps a few more people would get the treatment that is easily obtainable.
Here are some tips on dealing with herpes:
* Talk to your doctor if you think you may have herpes.
* Remember that you're not alone. Millions of people have herpes.
* Keep yourself healthy and limit your stress.
* Don't touch your sores.
* Tell your sex partner and use condoms.
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