Both counseling and group support are available through the University Health Center. It can be spread without the presence of active lesions, and so transmission of the virus can occur between outbreaks. There may also be different strains of the virus, so that partners may not develop an immunity to each other's Type II infection. All sexual contact should be avoided from the first sign of a recurrence until 4-5 days after all of the sores are healed. Condoms may reduce the risk of transmission and should be used for all sexual contact.
Spermicides used with the condom add to the protection and prevention.
However, the protection provided by condoms is limited if it does not cover the area of skin infected by the virus. Avoid kissing anyone with a cold sore. Avoid oral-genital contact. Although men have herpes as frequently as women, the implications for women are more serious. The relationship between genital herpes and cervical cancer is still being studied.