Community directory

Herpes Viruses Association (National)

Summary Organisation also known as SPHERE.

The Association gives information on the herpes simplex virus to the public, media and health professionals. The simplex virus can cause cold sores, whitlows (on the finger) and the much-hyped genital herpes.

Herpes simplex is in reality a mainly trivial or negligible complaint. By the age of 25 around 70% of the population has herpes simplex antibodies in their blood, which means they have herpes. Most have never had symptoms, so obviously they do not know this and they do not suffer. Only a minority of those who contract herpes simplex have it badly enough to get it diagnosed. Because of the stigma, which means no one talks about their personal experience (as they would talk of flu or measles), each person feels as though she/he is the only one in the world with this infection.

The Association is the only organisation in the country dealing with this condition and receives a small grant from the Department of Health. However it relies largely on subscriptions and donations.

Please send an SAE with any inquiry.

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10.00am-6.00pm.

Registered charity number 291657