The herpes simplex virus causes both oral and genital herpes as well as more rare forms of herpes that affect the head and eyes, says the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). Herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease. Everyone, including infants, is at risk of contracting the virus. At this time there is no preventive vaccine or cure. Being cautious and avoiding sharing bodily fluids with someone who has the virus is the best way to prevent infection. One example of protecting yourself from the herpes virus is to use a condom during any form of sexual contact, especially with a partner known to have the virus. Sexual intercourse is just one of the many ways to contract herpes.
Saliva
Any of the bodily fluids that contain the herpes virus must enter the skin or a mucous membrane in order to transmit the virus from an infected person to an uninfected person. Saliva is one of the bodily fluids that is capable of causing infection. Sneezing, kissing, sharing eating utensils, drinking from the same beverage and any other method of sharing oral fluids can lead to the transmission of the herpes virus to another person. An open sore in the mouth of either individual can increase the chances of infection, says the UMM. The infected saliva must enter the skin in order to cause infection. Simply sharing saliva may not be enough exposure to cause infection, but it is still best to be cautious.
Genital Fluids
Semen and vaginal secretions contain the herpes virus. Unprotected sexual intercourse makes it extremely difficult to avoid infection. The skin tissues of the vagina and penis are soft and easy for the virus to penetrate. Friction during sex and contact with open sores only make it more likely for the herpes virus to spread. Oral, anal and vaginal sex are all activities that promote the spread of herpes.
Blister Fluids
The herpes blisters that erupt on the mouth or genitals secrete fluids, such as blood or pus, that are infectious. Simply touching a sore and then touching another object without thoroughly washing the hands can spread the virus to an unsuspecting person. This can occur with the use of public toilet seats as well, but the American Social Health Association points out that it is extremely rare for this to occur. Like kissing or having sexual intercourse, the virus can spread easily through simple contact of the blister fluids from one individual to another. The fluids still must enter the body through an open wound in the skin or the mucous membranes.
