Herpes is a painful condition that afflicts a large number of individuals. Herpes transmission occurs from direct skin contact. Some other viruses like the flu virus can be transmitted through the air. However the herpes virus spreads if an uninfected person comes in contact with the site of infection. So if a person having a cold sore kisses someone then the virus can be transferred. Likewise an individual having genital herpes can transmit it through sexual intercourse.

Infection occurs when the herpes simplex accesses a body through mucous membranes or broken skin. The virus is carried by the bodily fluids such as semen, saliva and the fluid in the genital tract in a woman. When the virus comes in contact with any skin wounds or mucosal surfaces it starts replicating. This is transported to the roots of nerve cells where the virus remains inactive. It is most often during shedding when the symptoms are present that herpes transmission can take place quite easily.

Herpes transmission can occur not only by way of vaginal intercourse with an infected person but also by way of anal intercourse with such a person. If a person having cold sore indulges in oral sex with an uninfected person then such an individual can get genital herpes.

Herpes transmission can most likely occur with the presence of a sore but in some cases it can spread even without active sores. Many people experience tingling, itching and other sensations before appearance of sores. These symptoms are called Prodormal symptoms. This is an indication that the virus is present and herpes spreads from this time. Sexual contact is responsible for transmission in this period.

In some cases herpes transmission can occur between the periods of outbreaks even when no particular symptoms are observed. Such a transmission is called asymptomatic transmission. Transmission may also occur because of individuals who are not aware that they are infected. Symptoms in such individuals may either be quite mild or these symptoms may not be recognized as herpes.

Herpes transmission can be prevented by avoiding sexual contact when the symptoms of this condition are observed. Likewise it is important to use protection at all times. Often a form of transmission occurs when the virus is spread from the place where the outbreak is located to some other place on the body after touching of the sores. To prevent this form of self infection it is important to ensure that the area is not touched during the outbreak. Washing hands with soap is also useful as the virus is killed because of soap and water.

Herpes transmission to a baby during pregnancy can occur and so it is important to discuss this with the physician if the mother is exposed to this virus. If the virus is present neat the birth canal during delivery then a caesarean section may be needed. Babies can also get this virus if they are kissed by someone having a cold sore.

The herpes virus causing lesions and sores in a person’s genital areas makes the person prone to infection such as HIV infection. This is because the sores tend to create breaks in a person’s skin and this can allow the HIV infection to enter the body if a person with herpes has sex with someone carrying the HIV infection. Herpes transmission cannot occur from sharing towels, toilet seats and sharing of cups.