Prevention of Herpes Simplex


Herpes simplex infection can be prevented in the following ways:

  • Limit the number of sexual partners so that your exposure to the virus is reduced.
  • Avoid intimate contact with someone who has sores. Remember that the infection can also spread in the early stages before the sores develop. Sexual intercourse must be avoided during this time as well.
  • Use latex condoms during sexual contact to prevent the virus from spreading.
  • Avoid touching the sores and then touching other parts of the body. If you do touch the sores, make sure to wash your hands.
  • Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or clothes.
  • Avoid foods which contain the artificial sweetener, aspartame, as it is known to trigger herpes outbreaks.
  • If you are pregnant, inform your doctor if you have had exposure to the herpes virus. Do this even if you do not experience any symptoms since the infection can spread to your baby.

References
  1. A. Schuhmacher, J. Reichling, P. Schnitzler, Virucidal effect of peppermint oil on the enveloped viruses herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro, Phytomedicine, Volume 10, Issues 6–7, 2003, Pages 504-510, ISSN 0944-7113, 10.1078/094471103322331467.
  2. C. Ishihara, J. Iida, N. Mizukoshi, N. Yamamoto, K. Yamamoto, K. Kato, I. Azuma, Effect of Nα-acetylmuramyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutaminyl-Nϵ-stearoyl-l-lysine on resistance to herpes simplex virus type-1 infection in cyclophosphamide-treated mice, Vaccine, Volume 7, Issue 4, August 1989, Pages 309-313, ISSN 0264-410X, 10.1016/0264-410X(89)90191-6.