Infected persons should avoid anal, oral, and vaginal intercourse while sores persist. Anti-viral drugs such as Acyclovir, Valtrex, or Famvir may be helpful in suppressing outbreaks but will not cure herpes. Repeat outbreaks are common but occur at very variable intervals. Treatable but not curable. May make a person more susceptible to other STDs and may require a C-section to prevent infecting a newborn.
Barrier methods are only partially protective.
With condoms, for example, lesions may be present in areas not covered. Only total absence of any touching of infected tissue will avoid transmission. Transmission most common with exposure through vaginal or anal sex. Casual contact considered to be safe. Women who are symptomatic may experience discharge, pain with intercourse, and abdominal pain.