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Condoms should not be relied upon when herpes sores or symptoms are present; however, spermicidal foams and jellies may offer additional protection. Spermicides used in contraceptive foams, film and gels kill or neutralize HSV in laboratory tests and may provide some protection when used in the vagina.

Herpes is infectious, but only with sexual or close skin-to-skin contact. While the sores are open and weeping, it would not be sensible to share a towel but the actual chances of passing it on this way are remote.

Oral or mouth Herpes can affect anyone from newborns to adults. Newborns frequently catch it from their mother during birth as they pass through the birth canal. For children and adults, oral herpes is painful and annoying, but for newborns, it can be dangerous. There is no cure for oral herpes, only treatment. This is why it is so very important to use caution when coming into contact with someone you think, or know, may be infected with this condition.

The scary part is that most people with genital herpes don't know they have it, and are unaware they may be spreading it to others, says Warren. Many have no symptoms or mistake their symptoms for something else, such as jock itch, insect bites, hemorrhoids, yeast infections, razor burn, or allergies to laundry detergent.