When the virus is inactive (dormant) inside the nerve cells it cannot be caught by a partner. If there is virus on the place where you get your symptoms, it may be passed on – see What is asymptomatic shedding? There may be tingly or tichy feeling at the place where this is happening. We have produced two leaflets "Talking to your partner about herpes simplex" (four pages) and "For your partner" (two pages), with advice and information for people in new relationships. These may be ordered by members.
An antibody (blood test) might show that your partner already has the virus. In this case your partner will have either total or partial protectio