may i add that herpes is contracted through the mucus membranes from a break in the skin. we all have that in our genitals from whatever and that's how it spreads. that's also how you can get it in other areas too. the virus also can break out in other parts because it lies dormant in the nerve endings and can errupt for many reasons. good hygiene helps and condoms do too. it's really just a nusiance to many who have this and stress makes it worse. you can type in your questions when researching this and you will find all your answers. it's really pretty easy how it works and it's just not knowing when and where it will happen. we have a lot of viruses in our body and we just fight them off. this virus can be felt and sometimes seen when it erupts. now the ads on tv say we pretty much are contagious most of the time. i don't know if this is to sell more meds or not but just listen to the ads for herpes and hpv. some show signs and some don't. it's just a matter of how each of our immune systems handle it. they started out by being called fever blisters on the lips and now has it taken on a whole new meaning and life. if you cover most of the area with a condom then you have a better chance of not getting it but oral sex is another story. these ob can look like a rash, paper cut, pimples and blister. look up herpes pictures too