Herpes simplex

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Herpes simplex - close-up

Herpetic whitlow on the thumb

Prevention is difficult since the virus can be spread to others when an infected person has no evidence 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 active lesions are present. Safer sex behaviors, including the use of condom, may also lower the risk of infection.

Individuals with active herpetic lesions should also avoid contact with newborns, children with eczema, or immunosuppressed individuals as these groups are at higher risk for more severe disease.

To decrease the risk of infecting the newborn, a cesarean delivery (C-section ) is recommended for pregnant women who have active herpes simplex infection at the time of delivery.

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.

Review Date: 06/20/2005
Reviewed By: Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.