To speed healing, take care of open herpes sores. To reduce outbreaks, take care of your health. And talk with your healthcare provider about antiviral medicines. To keep from infecting others, get treatment and talk with your provider about medicines to reduce spreading the virus. Learn other ways to prevent spreading the virus.
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Tell your sex partners that you have herpes. If you don’t know what to say, ask your healthcare provider for help.
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If you have an outbreak, whether on your lip or genitals, delay sex until the blisters have healed. You can still be infectious to your partner even when you don't see any rash. But the risk is much lower.
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Use a latex condom each time you have sex. This reduces the risk of passing herpes to your partner. But remember a condom may not cover all of the areas that have the virus present. Be certain to put the condom on the right way. Check this CDC website for correct male condom use: www.cdc.gov/male-condom-use. For correct use of female condoms, go to www.cdc.gov/female-condom-use.
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Don't kiss or have oral sex when you have an oral sore.
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Don't have intercourse when genital sores are present. Also keep in mind, herpes can be passed during oral sex and with anal contact.
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Don’t share towels, toothbrushes, lip balm, or lipstick when you have a sore.
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If you keep having outbreaks, taking daily antiviral medicines can help reduce the likelihood of transmission to your partner.
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If you are pregnant and have had herpes before being pregnant, make sure your provider knows. Herpes in a newborn is very dangerous. It can often be prevented if your provider is aware.