Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus has two types, HSV-1 which is oral herpes and HSV-2 which is genital herpes. Knowing how to avoid herpes is important to sexually active individuals.

Oral herpes is often seen as cold sores around the mouth or on the face. Genital herpes is sexually transmitted and may be acquired through sexual intercourse or oral sex.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herpessimplex.html Some types of genital herpes can be caused by the HSV-1 virus but in most cases it is caused by spread of the HSV-2 strain.http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/pain-management-herpes The herpes simplex virus has no cure but there are antiviral treatments like Valtrex or Aciclovir available to reduce the outbreaks.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/genital-herpes/DS00179/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

The rate of people infected with genital herpes in the United States has remained stable over the past decade with the current infection rate being 16.2% (one in six people) in the age group from age 14 to 49. The infection is more common in women in this age group (one in five are infected) than men of the same age (one in nine infected.)http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm

Because the herpes simplex virus often results in no symptoms, personal detection as well as detection in others can be difficult. The virus can spread even in the absence of an actual outbreak of sores. The severity of outbreak typically decreases over time. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herpessimplex.html Genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease, multiples by 200,000 to 500,000 cases each year. The type 1 virus spreads much faster.http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/viral_herpes_simplex.html#ixzz10K9ux8m1 The spread of the herpes virus occurs through touch when an infected individual is in the midst of an outbreak. It can occur when an outbreak is not visible and can occur before an individual knows they are infected. Spread of the virus can move from mother to baby during delivery if a mother’s herpes is active at the time of birth. For this reason, pregnant mothers must advise their doctors of the infection. HSV can be a deadly disease for a person with cancer or AIDS or any illness which results in a compromised immune system.http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/viral_herpes_simplex.html#ixzz10KA6qYpu In order to avoid contracting herpes it is important to become educated on how the virus spreads, recognize symptoms when visible, and known how to what is safe when dealing with those who have the virus.

Knowing the circumstances which can result in the transfer of the herpes simplex virus can aid in avoiding an infection. The HSV-1 cold sore type virus can become a genital herpes type when oral sex occurs during an outbreak of the virus. Even with the absence of an actual sore, the virus can be transferred during the oral sex act. If a potential sexual partner commonly has visible cold sores, it is important to know when the virus is active to avoid exposure to it. The individual with HSV-1 should be open to advising the partner of times when an outbreak may be imminent and sex should be avoided.

The most successful way of preventing infection by the herpes simplex virus which causes genital herpes is to avoid sexual contact. Short of 100% abstinence, avoiding unprotected sex is the next best means of avoiding infection. Establishing a long term relationship with a single person where both commit to a monogamous relation reduces the chance for exposure also. Engaging in safe sex may involve change in the type of sexual activity during the time of outbreak or time when the disease may be spread. Mutual masturbation or use of sexual toys during this time may substitute for intimate intercourse or oral sex. Partners should remember however, that during active outbreak, the virus can be on the skin of the individual so care should be taken in touching unprotected areas of an infected person.http://www.prevention.com/cda/vendorarticle/genital-herpes/NW278/health/conditions.treatments/0/0/prevention

Genital herpes spreads through sexual contact with an infected person. This contact does not have to involve vaginal intercourse. Contact of the infected area, to include the surrounding skin area, which may not be covered by a condom, can be responsible for the spread of the virus. For HSV-1 oral herpes, the spread can be through kissing or through sharing of utensils or cups, or lipsticks. The HSV-1 can also be spread through oral sex under unprotected circumstances.http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/viral_herpes_simplex.html#ixzz10K9ux8m1

Just as the spread of the virus from mother to newborn can be very harmful to the child, spread by another human to a newborn should be avoided also. Individuals with active HSV of either type should avoid contact with newborns as well as with individuals who have impaired immune systems. While parents of newborns should not be in panic mode with regards to individuals around the child, an awareness of the health of those who will be handling the child is prudent.http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/viral_herpes_simplex.html#ixzz10KA6qYpu

A blood test is available to determine if an individual with no symptoms has the herpes simplex virus. In cases where an individual previously led a sexually active life, without protection, testing may be considered to prevent spread of the virus.http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm

Being diagnosed with herpes simplex virus is a lifelong diagnosis as there is no cure available. When entering a sexual relationship with a new person, precautions should be taken to protect from herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. One of the primary means of protection is use of a condom. Condoms should be latex type as they are more durable than polyurethane and lambskin does not block STDs. For use of a lubricant in conjunction with a condom, it is important to insure it is water soluble so the lubricant does not cause a breakdown in the condom and allow the virus to pass from person to person. http://www.hiv.va.gov/vahiv?page=sex-condomtips

While there is significant discussion about male condoms, the less discussed female condom can offer protection also. For the female who desires to be prepared for protected sex, the female condom offers the ability to be the individual providing the protection, not leaving the door open for possible unprotected sex. The female condom is inserted inside the vagina in advance of intimacy.http://www.hiv.va.gov/vahiv?page=sex-condomtips

Safe sex which protects from herpes simplex may also involve the use of a dental dam. The same plastic sheet type dam which is used by a dentist can be used to protect either male or female performing oral sex from being infected. A dental dam is a small square of latex material which is a barrier between the skin of the individual and the person performing the sex act. The dental dam can also be used for oral-anal sex.http://www.hiv.va.gov/vahiv?page=sex-condomtips

Awareness is the first step to preventing infection by the herpes simplex virus. If you suspect you have been previously infected, it is advisable to be tested for positive determination in order to not spread the virus further. For those situations where there is uncertainty of whether an individual is infected or may be in the midst of an outbreak it is best to avoid sexual contact in order to remove the likelihood of infection.

The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist before using the information presented here.