What precaution should a person with herpes take regarding sexual intercourse?

The most effective precaution for a person with herpes during sexual intercourse is to refrain from engaging in sexual activity while vesicles are present. This is because herpes is highly contagious, particularly during an outbreak. The vesicles contain the virus and can easily transmit it to a partner through direct skin contact.

While using protection frequently and limiting sexual partners can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, the presence of visible symptoms like vesicles significantly increases the likelihood of transmission. Therefore, avoiding intercourse during this time is the safest course of action to protect both the individual and their partner from contracting the virus.

Practicing abstinence for one month, while generally a precautionary approach, may not be necessary for all patients, as the virus can also be transmitted even when no symptoms are evident. Hence, maintaining precautions during symptomatic periods is crucial for preventing the spread of herpes.