From the Guidelines
To prevent herpes transmission, it is crucial to use barrier methods like condoms and dental dams during all sexual contact, avoid sexual activity during outbreaks, and consider daily suppressive therapy with antiviral medications if you have recurrent outbreaks or want to reduce transmission risk to partners. The most effective way to prevent herpes transmission is by using consistent barrier methods and antiviral therapy, as supported by the guidelines for prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected adults and adolescents 1.
Some key methods for preventing herpes transmission include:
- Using latex condoms during every act of sexual intercourse to reduce the risk for exposure to herpes simplex virus (HSV) and to other sexually transmitted pathogens, as recommended by the 1999 USPHS/IDSA guidelines 1 and the 1995 USPHS/IDSA guidelines 1.
- Avoiding sexual contact when herpetic lesions (genital or orolabial) are evident, as this can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
- Considering daily suppressive therapy with antiviral medications, such as valacyclovir 500 mg once daily, which can reduce HSV-2 transmission to susceptible heterosexual partners by 50% 1.
- Maintaining good hygiene by not sharing personal items like towels or razors, washing hands frequently, and avoiding touching active sores to prevent self-spread to other body areas.
- Avoiding triggers like excessive sun exposure, stress, and fatigue, which can contribute to herpes outbreaks.
It is essential to note that herpes can still spread even without visible symptoms due to asymptomatic viral shedding, so consistent prevention practices are crucial even when no outbreaks are present. By following these guidelines and using a combination of barrier methods, antiviral therapy, and good hygiene practices, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of herpes transmission.
From the Research
Methods for Preventing Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
- The use of antiviral therapy, such as valaciclovir or acyclovir, has been shown to reduce the risk of transmitting HSV-2 infection 2, 3, 4
- Suppressive antiviral therapy can reduce the risk of clinical disease in the susceptible partner by 75% 2
- Safer sex behavior, including the use of condoms, is also recommended to prevent genital herpes transmission 2, 5
- Avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks can also help prevent transmission 5
- Daily suppressive therapy with valacyclovir can reduce the risk of sexual transmission of HSV-2 in HSV-2-serodiscordant heterosexual couples by 48% 2, 3
- Valacyclovir 1 g once daily administered for 24 weeks was well-tolerated and effective in suppressing genital herpes recurrences in immunocompetent newly diagnosed persons without an established recurrence pattern 4
- Antiviral drugs can suppress asymptomatic virus shedding and could play a role in reducing transmission 6
- Practices that prevent or reduce transmission include the use of suppressive antiviral therapy in serodiscordant partners, avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks, and use of condoms 5