Herpes Isn’t What You Think: The Shameless Truth About HSV

Did you know there are herpes viruses that cause cancer? Or that HSV-2 has been linked to changes in the brain? This episode goes way beyond cold sores and awkward conversations.

Robert and Anna dive deep into the science of the herpesvirus family — including HSV-1, HSV-2, Epstein-Barr (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) — and explore the massive, underappreciated impact these viruses have on the human body.

This isn’t your typical “just wear a condom” STI talk. We’re talking latent infection, viral latency, neurological effects, herpes HIV, and why nearly everyone has some version of this virus… but no one is talking about it.

If you love science, hate stigma, and want to actually understand what’s going on in your body — this is the episode.

Topics Covered:
•The herpesvirus family: 8 members, lifelong impact
•HSV-1 vs HSV-2: brain, genitals, and beyond
•Why herpes testing isn’t recommended for most people
•Epstein-Barr, cancer, and chronic disease
•The virology of shame — and why it’s time to move on

Hashtags:

#herpes 
#HerpesIsMoreThanHSV #ShamelessCarePodcast #BrainOnHerpes #STITruth #HSV2 #EBV #SexPositiveScience #ColdSoresToCancer #NoShameJustScience
#HerpesTruth #HSV1 #HSV2 #SexPositiveHealth #ShamelessCarePodcast #STIAwareness #SexualHealthMyths #NoMoreShame