Prevention

How can you prevent spreading the herpes virus to other people? Well, first you need to understand exactly how the virus is spread. Then you will be able to take steps to avoid spreading herpes to others. Before herpes can spread from one person to another, it has to be able to attach to the other person's skin cells. The virus does not survive very long outside of a cell and it can not be spread across open space, only from direct contact. For example, someone can not sneeze and spread herpes across a room to another person. Also, you can not get herpes from someone spitting on you or bleeding on you. Herpes is spread by the direct skin to skin contact between an affected person and another person. It is not like the viruses that cause colds and the flu which can be spread through the air. However, it is important to understand "direct contact" and how this virus works. Herpes can be spread through both vaginal and anal intercourse. You can also spread either type from oral sex. If you have a cold sore on your mouth, you can transfer the virus to your partner's genitals. If your partner has genital herpes, you can get it on your mouth from oral intercourse. Again, it is not the exchanging on bodily fluids that spreads the disease, but instead it is the exposed contact with a sore or lesion. In some cases, herpes can also be spread from sharing lipstick or chapstick, glasses, silverware and other items that come in contact with the sores of the mouth and then someone else's mouth. The same can be said about underwear or anything that comes in direct contact with infected genitals and then someone else's genitals. However, this type of transfer is not as common because the herpes virus cannot live long on these items. The transfer would have to occur immediately. Some people worry that they will spread the herpes virus to someone else in their family from a towel, etc. This isn't likely to happen but you can be sure to be safe by not sharing towels and making sure you always wash them. Herpes can not live long on a towel or clothing, especially after it has been washed so your family members will be safe. If these precautions are kept, then the risk for the spread of herpes will be low.