Can Someone With No Sores Still Pass the Herpes Virus to Others?

A person who has genital herpes (often just called herpes) but no sores can still pass the virus to someone else. That's because the virus that causes herpes can be active in the body even if it doesn’t cause symptoms.

Herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex; using fingers; or with other sexual contact. As with other STDs, the only way to fully avoid getting herpes is to not have sex.

If you or your partner have herpes, here's how to reduce the risk of spread:

• Avoid having sex during outbreaks (when herpes blisters or sores are on the skin). Herpes is more likely to spread when a person has an outbreak.
• Make sure the person who has herpes is treated and takes medicine for it just as their doctor says to. The medicine can stop outbreaks, make outbreaks happen less often and be less severe if they do happen, and reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to others.
• Use a condom, finger condom, or dental dam each time you have sex. The herpes virus can live outside of the area these cover, though, so they might not always prevent the spread.

If you have questions about STDs or how to prevent them, talk with your doctor. You can also visit a health clinic like Planned Parenthood.