References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Yes — you can have herpes and significantly reduce the risk of passing it to a partner. Using a combination of antiviral medication, condoms, avoiding sex during outbreaks and honest communication, many couples manage herpes without the uninfected partner catching it. The risk is never zero, but it can be made very low.
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Transmission Reduction Strategies
| Strategy | Risk Reduction |
|---|---|
| Avoiding sex during outbreaks | Significant — most infectious time |
| Daily suppressive antiviral | Reduces transmission by about 50% |
| Condoms | Reduce risk by about 30-50% |
| Combining all three | Very low risk |
Understanding Transmission
- Most transmission happens during outbreaks
- Asymptomatic shedding also occurs (virus present without symptoms)
- HSV-2 sheds more than HSV-1 genitally
- Risk is higher in the first year after diagnosis
Daily Suppressive Therapy
- Valaciclovir or aciclovir taken daily
- Reduces outbreak frequency
- Reduces asymptomatic shedding
- Reduces transmission risk
- Discuss with your doctor
Communication
- Tell partners before sexual contact
- Explain management strategies
- Share reliable information
- Let them make an informed choice
In Practice
Many serodiscordant couples (one with herpes, one without) have long-term sexual relationships without transmission. With awareness, treatment and care, herpes doesn’t have to define your sex life.
Read more: What is herpes? | HSV-1 vs HSV-2 | STIs and relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
Is zero transmission risk possible?
Very low but not zero. Combining strategies gives the best protection.
Should my partner take PrEP for herpes?
There’s no equivalent of PrEP for herpes. Suppressive therapy for the infected partner is the main approach.
Does condom use eliminate herpes risk?
Reduces but doesn’t eliminate — herpes can spread from uncovered skin.
Related reading
- Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
- Comprehensive Test: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Herpes
- Cold Sores vs Syphilis Sores: How to Tell the Difference
- Genital Warts vs Herpes: What's the Difference?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
