Prevention
Preventing herpes simplex is difficult since people can spread the virus even when they don't have any symptoms of an active outbreak.
Avoiding direct contact with an open lesion will lower the risk of infection.
People with genital herpes should avoid sexual contact when they have active lesions. Safer sex behaviors, including the use of condoms, may also lower the risk of infection.
People with active herpes lesions should also avoid contact with newborns, children with eczema, or people with suppressed immune systems, because these groups are at higher risk for more severe disease.
To decrease the risk of infecting newborns, a cesarean delivery (C-section) is recommended for pregnant women who have an active herpes simplex infection at the time of delivery.
References
Workowski KA, Berman SM. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2006. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. August 4, 2006;55(RR-11):1-94.
Stoopler ET. Oral herpetic infections (HSV 1-8). Dent Clin North Am. 2005 Jan;49(1):15-29, vii.
Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2000.
Print
