Preventing Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes Fact Sheet (PDF
70 KB)
Transmission
Herpes is transmitted as a result of direct skin-to-skin contact. This
occurs when an infected area comes in contact with a break in the skin or
mucus membrane tissue, typically, the mouth or genitals. Most other skin on
the body is too thick for HSV to go through.
Transmission is most likely to occur during an outbreak; however,
transmission can also occur between outbreaks when no visible sores are
present. There are several times throughout the year (prodromal stage and
asymptomatic shedding) when the virus is present on the surface of the skin,
but there are no symptoms.
HSV-1 infection of the mouth can be passed to the genital region through
oral sex.
There are no documented cases of genital herpes being passed by inanimate
objects (i.e. toys, toilet seats, towels, etc.). HSV is a relatively weak
virus outside of the human body and cannot survive long enough on surfaces
to make them a risk for transmission.
Prevention and Control
The surest way to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including
genital herpes, is to abstain from all sexual contact or to be in a
long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
However, one in four people has genital herpes, and the majority of people
don’t show symptoms. So if a person has ever been sexually active, it is
possible for them to have the virus and unknowingly pass it on to their
partners.
Persons with visible symptoms should abstain from sexual contact during
an outbreak. In between outbreaks, correct and consistent condom use can
provide some protection, but it is not 100% effective, as there are many areas
not covered by a condom that are potentially infected and contagious.
Daily suppressive therapy for herpes has been shown to reduce the risk of
herpes transmission. |
