How Herpes Is Not Spread?

If you or your partner has herpes, reduce the risk of spread by: using a condom every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal). The herpes virus can live outside of the area that a condom covers, though, so a condom may not always prevent the spread.

Can you be exposed to herpes and not get it?

Everyone who is exposed to the virus does not develop sores, but may still shed virus and expose others through contact with the infected area even if sores are not present. Who should get tested for Herpes?

Is herpes always contagious?

Most oral and genital herpes infections are asymptomatic. Symptoms of herpes include painful blisters or ulcers at the site of infection. Herpes infections are most contagious when symptoms are present but can still be transmitted to others in the absence of symptoms.