Herpes Transmission: When Is It Contagious & How to Reduce Spread
Herpes (HSV-1/2) is most contagious during active lesions but can shed asymptomatically.
Transmission Routes
- Direct contact with lesions (kissing, oral/genital sex)
- Contact with contaminated items (towels, razors, toys)
- Autoinoculation (touching sore then another body site)
Not Spread By
Casual contact, air, toilet seats, shared utensils (unless contaminated with fresh secretions).
Prevention
- Avoid sex during outbreaks
- Condoms (reduce, not eliminate risk)
- Daily suppressive antivirals if frequent recurrences
- Hand hygiene after touching lesions
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