How is herpes transmitted other than through sex?

Yes, herpes can be passed through sexual intercourse, most commonly through direct or indirect contact with sores. This is especially true for genital herpes. However, herpes can also spread through non-sexual contact.^1,2 For example, oral herpes can be transmitted during oral sex, as well as through kissing or sharing personal items like eating utensils, makeup, or lip balm.

Herpes transmission is also possible between outbreaks, even when sores are not visible.^2,3 The virus can pass through skin or mucous membranes, like the mouth or nose, making it essential to understand all potential transmission methods. Many people carry herpes without realizing it.

Herpes can spread in several non-sexual ways, so it is important to recognize these routes to help prevent transmission. Here are some common non-sexual transmission methods:

• Kissing someone with an active cold sore: The virus is present in saliva and sores.
• Sharing personal items: Items like utensils, lip balm, or makeup can carry the virus.^1,2
• Touching infected areas: If you touch an infected area and then touch your face or mouth, the virus can spread.
• During childbirth: Mothers can pass herpes to their babies during delivery, leading to neonatal herpes, a serious condition for newborns.

You can reduce the risk of spreading or contracting herpes through non-sexual contact by taking simple precautions:

• Avoid close contact: Steer clear of physical contact with anyone who has active sores.
• Do not share personal items: Use your own utensils, towels, and lip balm to limit exposure.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching your face or mouth.
• Use barrier methods during oral sex: Dental dams can offer protection against herpes transmission.

If you suspect you have herpes, you should talk to our online doctors to discuss testing and management options for herpes treatment. For oral herpes, outbreaks consist of cold sores or blisters around the face and mouth, and for genital herpes, they lead to sores and lesions around the genitals and rectum. The early signs of an outbreak can include itching, burning, or tingling in the areas where lesions will develop, and some people will also experience flu-like symptoms.^1-3 Sores may initially look like bug bites, shaving irritation, ingrown hairs, or pimples. Future outbreaks are typically shorter in length and less severe.¹

If one of our top-rated doctors decides to order tests for the herpes virus, they will send that order to a lab near you. After the test results come in, your medical team at PlushCare will follow up; if you test positive, they will determine the best treatment plan for your diagnosis.

If you have HSV-1 or HSV-2, you should always follow your medical team’s instructions to manage outbreaks. This may include prescribed antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir, but you should also practice good hygiene and safe sex.^1-3 Herpes currently is not curable, but outbreaks can be successfully managed when partnering with your healthcare providers to reduce the severity and length of outbreaks.²

At PlushCare, our board-certified doctors are available day and night for discreet, online appointments to discuss herpes testing and treatment. If your physician decides medication is right for you, they can send that prescription to a pharmacy near you as well.