New Study Shows That Awareness of Genital Herpes Among College Students Is Key To Prevent Transmission
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Nov. 6, 2000--A recent study among 518 college students examined the knowledge and attitudes regarding HSV2 among students and points to the importance of ensuring accurate awareness about genital herpes that will encourage preventive behaviors thus helping to prevent transmission of the disease1. International Herpes Awareness Week represents a collaboration of institutional and private interests focused on raising awareness of genital herpes amongst groups most at risk including college students.
Despite the huge numbers infected, estimated at approximately 20% of those over the age of 12, more than 80% of those don’t know they have the virus2. Individuals do not know if they are infected because historically there have been no accurate diagnostic tools. Researchers have recently shown that current methods of diagnosing herpes miss up to 50% of recurring cases3 and have called for wider use of the new, accurate, type-specific HSV 2 tests.
This lack of knowledge has become a serious problem since virtually all infected individuals can transmit the virus to all sexual partners even in the absence of symptoms. Importantly, several other studies have also demonstrated that the presence of genital herpes increases the acquisition of HIV two fold4 and has implications for pregnancy management.
In support of International Herpes Awareness Week a new national genital herpes awareness/testing initiative has recently been launched to address the need for accurate information and uses an interactive website www.pockit.com. The easy to use website is designed to allow individuals and couples to assess their risk of the disease and offers access to further detailed information about genital herpes. The initiative, launched by Diagnology, Inc., also offers unique online access to a walk in walk out testing service. The service is available across the United States and uses the new generation of type specific POCkit HSV 2 Rapid Test which, unlike conventional tests, allows the patient to obtain accurate results within 10 minutes regardless of symptoms.
For further information visit www.pockit.com or ask about the POCkit� test at your Student Health Services
For additional information please contact: 1-877-776-2548 or email Donna Greaves at [email protected]
|
