Practice abstinence during outbreaks: While herpes can be transmitted in the absence of symptoms, symptoms are a sure sign that the virus is active. When blisters, itching, open or swollen sores, or pain is present in the infected area, abstain from sexual activity until a week after all sores have healed.

Can I finger my girlfriend who has herpes?

Herpes is spread from skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, often during vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, and kissing. Touching open sores with your hands can spread the sores from one part of your body to another if you dont wash your hands immediately after.

Would you continue to date someone with herpes?

Between outbreaks, its OK to have sex, as long as your partner understands and accepts the risk that they may contract herpes. For example, as long as you dont have herpes sores on your mouth, you can perform oral sex on your partner, including when you have an outbreak of genital symptoms.