You must tell your sex partner that you have herpes. You should avoid having sex if you have any sores. Herpes can spread from one person to another very easily when sores are present. Another reason to avoid sex when sores are present is that sores make it easier to catch the AIDS virus. You should use condoms every time you have sex.
Condoms can only help reduce the risk of spreading herpes if they cover all the infected skin.
Tell your doctor if you have genital herpes or have ever had sex with someone who did. The main concern is that the baby may be born while you have sores or are shedding the herpes virus, which could spread the infection to the baby. If a baby catches herpes, it could be serious. The baby is usually safe in the uterus. When the baby passes through the birth canal, it may catch herpes.