Any direct contact with skin lesions of an affected individual or having sexual intercourse with someone who is infected and the herpes virus is transmitted straight from the site of infection to the site of contact.
Examples of direct contact with herpes include:
- Touching or caressing actively infected areas
- Kissing
- Sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and oral)
Areas that are easily infected are as follows:
- Moist areas of the mouth
- Throat
- Anus
- Vulva
- Vagina
- Eyes
Skin can be infected if it is cut, chafed, burned or has a rash or other sores. Herpes can be passed from one partner to another or from one part of your own body to another part of the body.
Take care of your personal hygiene to minimize the transfer of infectious material. Wear gloves when in direct contact with infectious lesions and wash hands with soap and water afterwards.
Use of condoms during sexual intercourse decreases the risk of infection.