The following advice can help to prevent the herpes simplex virus (HSV) spreading to others.
Avoid having sex
If you have genital herpes, you should avoid having sex (vaginal, anal and oral) until any blisters or ulcers (open sores) around your genital area have cleared up. It is best not to have sex if you have symptoms of genital herpes because at this point the condition is very contagious, even from the first tingle or itch.
Always use a condom
Always use a condom while you are having any kind of sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal and oral), even after your symptoms have gone. This is particularly important when having sex with new partners.
However, while using a condom may help to prevent genital herpes from spreading, the condom only covers the penis. If the virus is also present on or around your anus (the opening where solid waste leaves the body), it can still be passed on through sexual contact.
As HSV survives within the nerves of your skin, the virus may still be present on your skin after you no longer have any symptoms. This means that there is still a chance you could pass it on to someone else.
Testing your partner
If you have genital herpes, you should encourage your partner to visit a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic (also called sexual health clinics). They should be tested for the condition, even if they do not have any symptoms of genital herpes. A first case of genital herpes (a primary infection) often develops some time after exposure to the virus, so they may be unaware that they are infected.
Avoid sharing towels or flannels
Although it is very unlikely that HSV would survive on an object long enough to be passed on to someone else, it is a good idea to take precautions to prevent this from happening. Therefore, you should avoid sharing towels or flannels to ensure that you do not spread HSV to others.
