×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Informed Minds Prefer The Standard
★★★★ - 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
Sports
Could 2026 be the year in which AI contributes to a World Cup win?
By AFP 16 hrs ago
Sports
FIFA boss Infantino faces questions on eve of World Cup
By AFP 16 hrs ago
Sports
FIFA boss Infantino says case of Somali referee 'unfortunate'
By AFP 1 day ago
Sports
Somalia backs referee after he is denied entry to US