I am sharing this proposal on behalf of millions of people suffering from Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 and 2 (HSV1 & HSV2) in the United States, including myself. This is a virus that affects more people than many realize, but the stigma surrounding it keeps so many of us silent. It’s time we speak up and demand action.
I didn’t know I had this virus until after I got vaccinated for COVID. Following the vaccine, my body started having persistent outbreaks that haven’t stopped since. The sores, itching, and discomfort have made it hard to enjoy my life, leaving me feeling trapped. I’ve lost relationships, and I often avoid going out in public and even to work because of the visible sores on my lips and around my body. I am a nurse and this virus does not let me give my best while at work because of the constant itching and cold sores in different areas of my body. It’s not just the physical pain—it’s the mental and emotional toll that comes with living with a virus that seems to be overlooked.
I’m here to advocate for everyone who, like me, feels left behind. We need urgent research and funding to find a cure for HSV1 and HSV2. The research is very promising but we need to put more funding and focus on finding a cure. This is not an easy virus to live with, and it affects every aspect of my life, as it does for so many others. I’m asking you, Bobby Kennedy Jr., to make this a priority when Trump becomes president. Do not forget us—we need your support to finally see progress on this issue.
I also ask everyone who reads this to support, vote for, and “heart” this policy so that it rises to the top where Bobby and others can see it. Together, we can push for the research needed to find a cure for this virus and give people like me a chance to get our lives back.
Thank you for sharing this powerful message. At Herpes Heroes, we’re actively working to raise awareness and advocate for HSV research and treatment improvements. We’ve developed tools like a Comment Letter Guide (Click here for comment letter templates for the current HHS proposed addendum to include HSV. More about this HHS proposal click here. It’s important to comment on this proposal as it will shape the way HSV is addressed from 2026-2030. We believe this work will help the community voice these needs in policymaking spaces, aiming to push HSV research forward. Your experiences highlight the importance of investing in HSV research, mental health support, and de-stigmatization. Together, we can amplify these voices and call for the support HSV deserves. Learn more at herpesheroes.org.
Some initiatives the incoming administration can consider are :
Increased Research Funding: Allocate federal funds to HSV research, prioritizing innovative diagnostics, treatments, and cure-focused research for HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Public-Private Partnerships: Facilitate partnerships between federal agencies, universities, and private biotech companies to accelerate research and drug development.
Expanded Clinical Trials: Simplify pathways for clinical trials on HSV treatments and vaccines, particularly for new and promising therapies like Pritelivir.
Policy Changes for Drug Approval: Expedite the FDA approval process for HSV treatments showing safety and efficacy in early trials.
Enhanced Surveillance and Reporting: Improve national HSV surveillance and reporting to better understand infection trends and prioritize resources for high-risk populations.
Global Collaboration: Partner with international health organizations to leverage global research efforts and share HSV-related data, best practices, and innovative treatment models.
This is something that needs immediate attention as this virus has been spreading for many years. Causing people to endure a silent physical and mental battle that some end up losing to depression and suicide. Not to mention the potential of children dying due to Neonatal Hsv. And we can’t forget about people who are immunocompromised .For the upcoming years we need better ways to test for HSV followed by a cure and vaccine that will prevent people from contracting the virus if they are exposed to it. Whether you caught it from hookups, sexual assault, born with it or simply brushed against by someone who has it . You deserve a second chance at life to live freely without the worry of your health and impacting others health. No one wants to feel like they have no control over their own body. Where the people that are supposed to help us don’t have the answers and solutions to our problems. We will not except being looked over and written off as minor issue that’s manageable. We must push for a cure if not for us at least for the future generations to come.