Which statement best describes herpes transmission risk and condom use?

• A. Avoid sex during active lesions; use condoms
• B. Condoms completely prevent transmission
• C. Use condoms only when lesions are present
• D. No precautions if asymptomatic

Answer: (A)

Herpes is mainly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, with the highest infectiousness when active lesions are present. The best guidance combines two ideas: avoid sexual activity during active outbreaks to minimize exposure to a high viral load, and use condoms during sex to reduce risk when activity occurs. Condoms lower the chance of transmission because they cover the areas involved in contact, but they do not completely prevent it, since the virus can shed from skin not covered by a condom and can be transmitted even when there are no visible lesions. So, the statement that best describes transmission risk and condom use is that avoiding sex during active lesions reduces the most infectious period, and condoms help reduce risk but do not eliminate it.