×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Join Thousands of Readers
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Living with herpes: Navigating relationships and mental health

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Unhappy Couple after an argument at their home. [Getty Images]

In today's dating scene, intimacy often comes with unforeseen risks. For many, discovering they have herpes can be a pivotal moment one that challenges perceptions, tests relationships, and prompts difficult conversations about health, trust, and stigma.

Joyce*, a 24-year-old university student, experienced this firsthand when she woke up one day with a swollen lip that persisted.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Uncover the stories others won't tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
By AFP 4 hrs ago
Sports
Mbappe embraces Ballon d'Or talk after historic World Cup exploits
Sports
How institutional neglect is bleeding the very soul of Kenya's sporting talent
Sports
Thakker floors 170 players to triumph at Nyali
Sports
KCB inch closer to national 7s title after victory in Embu