[toc]Want to know how to prevent herpes? With a few lifestyle changes and hygienic habits it is possible to get rid of herpes faster and prevent them in the long run too. Also known as HSV-1 or type 2 (HSV-2) it is possible to prevent the infection. Rather than seeking measures on how to get rid of herpes fast, it is indeed a better alternative to opt for preventive measures.
Herpes can be infectious to a great extent and thus it is recommended that you opt for preventive measures. The problem tends to cause itchiness, burning sensation and also recurs if the right methods of hygiene and care are not implemented. Here are a few ways of preventing herpes-
11 Ways To Prevent Herpes
Hygiene
A healthy lifestyle and hygienic habits like washing your hands before eating, not touching your eyes or mouth with dirty hands and even covering your nose when someone sneezes can help in preventing herpes.
Apart from this, it is also vital to reduce stress through exercising, trying to get apt sleep or even opt for other similar rejuvenation techniques. These preventive measures are much easier to implement rather than seeking herpes remedies later. The above methods also help in overall improvement of health.
Stay Away From Those Infected
Herpes on lips can be painful. Hence, you should try and keep this contagious disease at bay by avoiding kissing anyone who is suffering from this infection or even use their napkins, bottles, utensils, etc. Along with no physical contact, it is also vital that you avoid sharing any food with individuals suffering from herpes.
This virus can really spread faster and food along with saliva is one of the quickest ways for it to travel. It has been seen that touching the wound directly too can lead to transferring of the virus. So to avoid herpes, make sure you keep some physical distance from individuals suffering from the same.
Abstain From Sex
If your partner is suffering from genital herpes or even regular herpes, it is safer to abstain from sex during this period. What happens is that the infection can spread directly to you when you come in sexual contact with your partner.
In this reference, condoms do prevent direct sexual contact, which reduces the risks of infection but even skin contact poses a threat here and thus it is better to abstain from sex if your partner is suffering from herpes.
Diet
Dietary changes also help you prevent herpes. A well balanced diet includes having a lot of fruits and vegetables like mangoes, apples, avocadoes, spinach, green leafy veggies, etc. They improve the overall immunity and hence help in preventing the disease. It should be kept in mind that all foods containing amino acids keep herpes away.
Also foods with lysine like turkey, chicken and other lean meats help to prevent herpes. Avoid foods that contain arginine as they lead to the outbreak of herpes. These comprise of nuts and whole grain foods. Foods with high levels of acids like tomatoes and even citrus fruits should be avoided. These are some simple and easy tips on how to prevent herpes.
Have More Of Probiotics
Probiotic rich foods like yogurt are highly suggested for individuals who tend to get herpes again and again. It has been found that the good bacteria found in yogurt helps to keep away the herpes causing infection.
For those who are prone to getting vaginal herpes or genital herpes, these can be applied on the area for treatment. But consuming probiotics on a regular basis is a sure shot way of keeping away this infection.
Garlic
Consuming a clove of garlic everyday along with increasing the intake of the same in your food helps in improving immunity. Basically garlic is natural antibacterial agent that fights and wards off infection. Having it on a regular basis improves your immunity and thus keeps the infection away too.
Sun Exposure
Herpes or cold sores, which happen on the skin tend to get worse or even occur because of excessive sun exposure. What happens here is that the skin tends to get drier and thus breaks out, which paves the way for the virus to enter the skin and cause havoc. So if possible avoid the sun and do wear protective hats or lotions to avoid the same.
Stress
Like many other diseases, our body is prone to herpes virus because of stress. In simple words, stress reduces the body’s immunity along with ability to fight infection. In fact, cold sores are caused because of excessive emotional stress. So opt for relaxation techniques like deep breathing and even meditation. Both of these are known to be great stress busters.
Reduce Sugar Intake
Sugar is known for triggering off attacks of the herpes virus. Sugar makes the open wounds more prone to risks of virus attacks. Artificial sugars especially make you more susceptible to the infection. However, natural agents like honey on the other hand boost immunity and reduce your chances of getting the infection.
Exercise
Regular exercise helps to boost immunity and improves overall body functions. You can do any form of exercise like yoga, pilates or even walking to keep fit. Exercise outdoors in safe environments though, like swimming may make you more prone to the infection, if someone else with the infection is swimming in the water.
Echinacea
This herb is a great immune stimulant and is suggested on a daily basis for individuals who have weakened immunity or are prone to infections. This herb is rich in andrographis that help in boosting immunity along with destroying viruses and heal cells that are intruded by the same.
The body’s immunity improves along with resistance levels, especially in the mucous membranes like the genitals and even the mouth, which are more prone to the infection. You can chew on the herb on a regular basis or even drink the tea made from the same. With these simple solutions, you can prevent the outbreak of herpes for your family members and yourself too.
