To spread the infection the contact must be direct but not necessarily sexual. In genital herpes this means refraining from contact with the infected person's genitals. This does not mean that people have to refrain from intimacy during this period. As a precaution people who have an active outbreak should refrain from sharing their towels or clothing. Unfortunately, some people can transmit herpes when they have no symptoms.
Personal hygiene is important during a herpes outbreak.
People should be careful not to touch other parts of their body after touching a sore because they can transmit the virus to a new location. This is especially true for the eyes which are quite vulnerable. Washing hands after sores have been touched will help prevent the spread of herpes to other parts of the body. Honest and sensitive communication is important in preventing the transmission of herpes. People with herpes type 1 and 2 can take care of themselves and their partners by learning to recognize when they are having an outbreak and avoiding contact until sores are completely healed.