Transmission
- Herpes is most commonly passed on through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral or anal sex when the virus is active on the surface of the skin (with or without obvious signs).
- You cannot pass on herpes when the virus is inactive (in the nerve cell).
- “Viral shedding’ – when the virus is released from the surface of the skin – can occur with symptoms (symptomatic herpes) or without symptoms (asymptomatic herpes).
- You may or may not be aware that viral shedding is happening.
- If you touch a sore, you can reduce the risk of transmitting the herpes virus by washing your hands with soapy water.
