Herpes Pt 2: How to avoid passing it on

1. You can only pass herpes on from the part of the body where you have the infection

For example: if you get cold sores on the mouth, you can pass it on through kissing or by giving oral sex. If you have herpes on the genitals you can pass it on from genital-to-genital rubbing or when receiving oral sex. You can’t pass on genital herpes by kissing.

2. Avoid contact when you have any symptoms

You are most contagious when you have symptoms. Symptoms commonly look like a raised fluid filled lump on the skin called a blister. These will eventually break on their own and then scab over. Some people will have less obvious symptoms which look more like an unexplained cut in the skin. People who get symptoms a few times may notice a tingling sensation or ache just before symptoms become visible. This is called prodromal symptoms and is also a contagious time.

3. Use condoms or dental dams

Condoms and dental dams work by creating a barrier to infected skin. Using these all the time, even when there are no symptoms, will prevent most infections. However, condoms and dams may not work 100% as herpes can be on areas of skin not completely covered.

4. Treatment

Taking anti-viral medication can decrease your symptoms which is the period of time you’re most contagious. Taking the medication every day also decreases the risk of passing herpes when there are no symptoms; it makes a low risk time an almost a no-risk time.

There is no risk of getting herpes from usual household contact including sharing showers, toilets or washing machines. You won’t even get if from a sharing a bed. It requires direct skin-to-skin contact.

Also check out:

Herpes Pt 1: Everything you need to know
Herpes Pt 3: How to talk about it with a partner

Herpes Pt 2: How to avoid passing it on

1. You can only pass herpes on from the part of the body where you have the infection

2. Avoid contact when you have any symptoms

3. Use condoms or dental dams

4. Treatment

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Herpes Pt 2: How to avoid passing it on

1. You can only pass herpes on from the part of the body where you have the infection

2. Avoid contact when you have any symptoms

3. Use condoms or dental dams

4. Treatment

Related posts

Search

Categories

Could I have an STI?

Where can I get tested?

Ask Nurse Nettie

Ask Nurse Nettie

Stay in touch