Herpes simplex

Prevention:

Prevention is difficult since the virus can be spread to others when the infected person has no evidence of a current outbreak; however, avoiding direct contact with an open lesion will lower the risk of infection.

In people with recurrent oral lesions, the use of sunscreen during sun exposure may reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

People with genital herpes should avoid sexual contact when active lesions are present. Safer sex behaviors including the use of condoms may also lower the risk of infection.

Pregnant women with herpes simplex infection should receive weekly viral cultures of the cervix and external genitalia as the delivery date approaches. At the time of delivery, if active lesions are present, or the viral culture is positive for herpes, a cesarean delivery (C-section) is recommended to avoid infecting the newborn.