1. Practice Sensible Sex
If you or your partner has herpes, you can avoid transmitting it to one another by avoiding having sex during an outbreak. An outbreak is defined as the moment you first feel the burning or tingling sensation that comes just before sores appear until the very last sore is gone. While the chance of passing herpes on to your partner between outbreaks is minimal, some couples choose to always use condoms during intercourse, just to be safe. However, even if you're using condoms, you should never have sex during an outbreak. If your partner has a cold sore, don't have oral sex until it's healed, as herpes can also be spread that way.
2. Wear Condoms
Condoms prevent the spread of herpes, so always wear one if you're having sex with someone you don't know very well. Make sure the condoms you're using are no more than a year old, as old condoms can dry out and tear easily. If the condom tears during sex, there's a greater likelihood of you contracting herpes from your partner (or of giving it to her).
3. Have a C-Section If You're Pregnant
Pregnant women with herpes can pass it on to their children during vaginal childbirth. If you're not having an outbreak when you give birth and don't have the beginning signs of one, then the chances of your baby getting herpes is small. However, if you're having an outbreak, a C-section is a must to protect your baby. Some women with herpes choose to have C-sections whether they're having an outbreak or not, as a matter of caution.
4. Keep Your Hands (and Lips) to Yourself
You can get herpes from someone who has an active cold sore if you kiss her. Even hugging or otherwise touching someone with herpes can give you the virus if that person has sores anywhere on his body. Herpes sores can appear on the thighs, buttocks and other unexpected places during an outbreak, so if you see sores, avoid any physical contact.
