How to Avoid Passing on Herpes
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that affects approximately 45 million Americans over 12 years of age. Symptoms of this disease include visible sores on the mouth and genitals, flu-like symptoms, and swollen glands. However, many individuals infected with herpes often develop no symptoms or very mild symptoms.
There are two forms of the virus responsible for causing herpes, Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is also called oral herpes and HSV-2 is referred to as genital herpes. However, both strains of the virus can infect the genitals and cause the same symptoms in both the oral and genital areas.
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Instructions
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Ways to Avoid Transmistting and Contracting Herpes
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Abstain from sex or be sexually monogamous with a partner who is known to be uninfected with the herpes virus. These are the only sure ways to avoid contracting or transmitting herpes.
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Use protection every time you engage in sexual activity. When used consistently, male condoms, female condoms, and dental dams can reduce the risk of transmission. However, herpes sores can appear in locations not covered by these devices, and these devices can fail, so the risk of transmission still remains.
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Avoid sexual contact when you or your partner is having a herpes outbreak. There is a greater risk of transmitting or contracting herpes when lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present.
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Wash your hands after sexual contact. Herpes can be transmitted to other parts of the body like the eyes and mouth. To prevent this, use soap and warm water to cleanse your hands after touching an infected partner's genitals.
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Mothers with genital herpes should avoid a vaginal birth and have a Cesarean section delivery. Herpes can be passed from mother to child during delivery as the newborn passes through the birth canal. This can have serious effects on the child, including herpes infection of the eyes, which can lead to blindness.
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