• Skin-to-Skin Contact: Herpes spreads through direct contact with infected skin or mucosal surfaces (such as the mouth, genitals, or anus), not just through fluid exchange. Condoms only cover a portion of the genital area, meaning the virus can still transmit from uncovered areas of skin.
• Asymptomatic Shedding: You can contract herpes even if your partner has no visible sores, blisters, or symptoms (known as asymptomatic viral shedding).
• Active Outbreaks: The risk of transmission is highest when active blisters or open sores are present.
• Oral and Genital Contact: HSV-1 (often associated with cold sores) can be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex, and HSV-2 can be passed during vaginal or anal sex.