General health and resistance, physical trauma and emotional stress may be factors involved in a recurrent outbreak of sores. Labial and genital herpes are contagious just before and throughout the entire time any sign of an active outbreak persists. However, sometimes symptoms are so mild that the virus is transmitted inadvertently. In the case of labial herpes or cold sores, this means not engaging in oral to oral contact or oral to genital contact. In the case of genital herpes, this means not engaging in sexual relations.
Sexual contact is the most common way to transmit genital herpes.
Herpes symptoms can be confused with other diseases. See a doctor right away for an accurate diagnosis and early treatment. Labial and genital herpes can be treated and cared for, but at present not cured. Oral medications are now available that can provide relief for many people with genital herpes. The medication works best if started within the first few days of onset of symptoms.