Can other people catch herpes from me?

Can other people catch it from me? Genital herpes is spread mainly through sexual contact - intercourse, anal sex or oral sex. Your sexual partner can catch genital herpes from you if you have any kind of sexual contact while sores or blisters are present. The virus can also be passed on before the sores or blisters appear, and after they heal.

To cut down the chances of spreading herpes to your partner, do not have sexual contact of any kind while you are experiencing an outbreak, and use condoms the rest of the time. It is also a good idea to avoid oral sex if you or your partner has a cold sore. In very rare cases, a woman can pass herpes on to her new baby. Tell your doctor if you or your partner is pregnant or thinking about having a baby, so that you can discuss measures that can be taken to protect your child.

Can other people catch it from me?

Genital herpes is spread mainly through sexual contact - intercourse, anal sex or oral sex.

Your sexual partner can catch genital herpes from you if you have any kind of sexual contact while sores or blisters are present. The virus can also be passed on before the sores or blisters appear, and after they heal.

To cut down the chances of spreading herpes to your partner, do not have sexual contact of any kind while you are experiencing an outbreak, and use condoms the rest of the time. It is also a good idea to avoid oral sex if you or your partner has a cold sore.

In very rare cases, a woman can pass herpes on to her new baby. Tell your doctor if you or your partner is pregnant or thinking about having a baby, so that you can discuss measures that can be taken to protect your child.

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