All names have been changed, to respect their privacy.

I'm 29 years old, and I've just been diagnosed with HSV1. I got married 3 weeks ago, so I'm thinking I got more than just congratulatory hugs and kisses at the reception. My husband is super supportive while I go through the rollercoaster of emotions, and he's getting tested this week too, though he’s had no symptoms yet.

I woke up last Sunday (after a night of drinking) with really bad hangxiety and a stinging, tingly feeling on my top lip, and when I looked in the mirror I saw a small cluster of blisters in the corner. My first thought was herpes, so I booked in to see a GP two days later. She was pretty blunt; basically said it likely was herpes, took a swab, wrote me a script, and sent me on my way with no further information. I'm so grateful that I was already following your Instagram page so that I already knew more about HSV than I would have otherwise. I still feel pretty clueless and have 101 questions, but thanks to you, I at least know that it's extremely common and that I'm not alone.

Unfortunately even upon receiving my diagnosis, my GP didn't give me any references for support or further information other than "don't share utensils or toothbrushes etc" when I'm having an outbreak. Now that the initial shock is over I'm feeling pretty pissed at her lack of sympathy and lack of advice.

Please feel free to use my photos in your Herpes Gallery, the first one is on Day 1 and the blisters were barely noticeable. My blisters broke on Day 3. The second photo is today, Day 5, and they are dry/scabbed over.

Please keep doing what you do x