You can reduce the risk of passing the herpes virus (herpes simplex virus, or HSV) to your sexual partners by taking the following steps: Tell current sexual partners that you have genital herpes. You also should tell future partners before having sexual contact. Be alert to the symptoms that signal an outbreak is coming. Avoid sexual contact from the time you feel symptoms until a few days after the sores have gone away. Wash your hands with soap and water after any possible