TRUTH: Herpes is spread by vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who has the condition. The fluids found in a herpes sore is what carries the virus, and contact with the fluids transmits the infection. Any skin-to-skin contact with an infected person is enough to transmit the virus.
MYTH: There are ways to avoid the risk of acquiring herpes.
TRUTH: You can only avoid the risk of acquiring the herpes virus by completely avoiding sexual contact. You can reduce your risk by using latex condoms properly every time you have sex, or being in a monogamous relationship with someone who has not acquired the disease and has been tested.
MYTH: Condoms afford complete protection against herpes.
TRUTH: Wrong! Condoms break, and outbreaks can occur in areas not fully protected by a condom.
MYTH: Herpes sores will occur only in the area where the infection takes hold.
TRUTH: The virus can be transmitted to other areas of the body by touch. Once symptoms appear, touching other areas will spread the virus.
MYTH: There are no consequences to spreading the herpes virus.
TRUTH: Many civil and criminal cases have held that transmitting the virus constitutes a crime against the previously unaffected victim. The consequences include financial penalties and incarceration. Responsible people will inform potential partners of their affliction and the possibilities that sexual contact may result in transmission of the herpes virus. Some attorneys suggest that you put the warning in writing as a further precaution against liability.