Get tested yourself and know your own HSV-1/HSV-2 status
Talk openly about HSV-1 before becoming sexually intimate
Ask whether the HSV-1 is oral, genital, or both
Avoid kissing or oral sex during any outbreak or when symptoms start
Avoid contact with sores, tingling, burning, or itching areas
Use condoms or dental dams to reduce risk during sex
Consider daily antiviral medication if recommended by a clinician
Do not share lip balm, drinks, utensils, razors, or towels during outbreaks
Wash hands after touching the mouth, face, or any affected area
Use barrier protection for oral sex even when no symptoms are present
Be extra cautious if you or your partner are immunocompromised
Avoid sex if either person has cuts, irritation, or mouth sores
Learn the signs of a prodrome before an outbreak
Keep communication honest about symptoms, triggers, and comfort levels
See a healthcare professional for personalized prevention advice
Respect each other’s boundaries and consent at all times