Herpes Prevention
You can reduce the risk of herpes by reducing your exposure to it.
- If you have symptoms, avoid sex
- Use barrier protection, such as condoms, when having sex
- Wash your hands often, especially after touching an affected area.
- Avoiding oral sex or kissing if you have a cold sore around your mouth
Condoms are available both online and in many shops. Others find that sunbathing, being sick, or having skin friction can trigger symptoms. By identifying and avoiding the triggers, you can help reduce the outbreak of this disease. It is best to avoid sex with someone who has herpes. Even if the person with herpes isn’t showing any symptoms, it can spread. There is no way to know for certain that your partner will not contract herpes if they are experiencing it. (7)
Herpes can be spread at any time. You must tell your partner if you have herpes. If you have any sores, it is best to avoid sex. When sores appear, herpes can spread quickly. Use a condom each time you have an intimate relationship. Also, they help to reduce the risk of herpes spreading. It is still possible to have or spread herpes while using a condom. Try not to panic if you find out that you have the virus. You can stop the spread of herpes to your partner or other parts of your body.
- Herpes medications can reduce the risk of spreading. Discuss with your doctor daily.
- You should not have sexual relations until you heal your sores. This is because it could spread the infection to other parts of your body or people. If you touch a sore wash your hands immediately with water.
- Use dental dams or condoms during anal, vaginal, and oral sex
- You should not use spit to wet your lenses, as it could cause oral herpes.
- Share with your partner that you have herpes prior to sex so you can work together to prevent it spreading.
- Intercourse should not be performed until the sores have completely healed and the scabs have fallen off.
- Do not kiss anyone if you have a cold sore in your mouth. This includes children, babies and pregnant women.
- When you notice these symptoms, stop intercourse immediately. You might experience tingling, stinging, or burning sensations that indicate that you’re about to develop sores.
- Herpes is not a serious health condition and it’s common. Try not to feel embarrassed or stressed about it.