5 things you should never do if you have genital herpes

NEVER have sex if you have symptoms, except with the person from whom you got it (or you gave it to). When both partners have the same virus they don’t reinfect each other.

NEVER have unprotected sexual intercourse with a comparative stranger.

NEVER have ­oral-genital sex if you have a cold sore.

NEVER be dishonest about your herpes. It’s best to be open about herpes simplex and tell your partner. And you must avoid skin contact when the virus is active. It may be easier to explain that you sometimes get cold sores on your genitals.

NEVER hesitate giving your GP details of all possible infected partners.