Dear love2hate2love,

Herpes can be spread through sexual intercourse — vaginal, anal, and oral sex — and also by kissing and touching.

Condoms can reduce the risk of transmitting herpes between outbreaks, but do not fully protect against it. This is because the herpes virus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact outside of the area covered by the condom.

Herpes is most contagious from the outbreak of sores to seven days after they have completely healed — when not even scabs are visible. However, it is possible for herpes to be spread even if there has been no recent outbreak.

For more information, check out Herpes — Questions & Answers.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.