×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Home To Bold Columnists
★★★★ - 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
Athletics
American dream: How youngsters battle for tickets to US universities
Football
Kenya selected to stage 2026 FIFA Women's Series matches in April
Athletics
Lewa Marathon: Lemayan to defend title as Kwambai out for three-peat
By Mike Kihaki 18 hrs ago
Football
Harambee Stars seek redemption in Rwanda after Senegal defeat, says McCarthy