Can you catch it from non sexual contact

Posted , 2 users are following.

hi,

my my sister has just been informed that her partner has given her herpes. She has been staying at my house this weekend and it has really made me worry that she might have passed it on to me. She has used my bath, toilet and towels. Is this possible? I have researched it but some say different to others.

thanks,

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    Bath and toilet, no. Towel in contact with lesions that you then also used immediately afterwards whilst still damp, possibly. That is for genital herpes and applies to both types.
    • Posted

      Thanks, I don't think I used the towel. Mine are all the same colour and I'm not sure where she put the one she used. Even if I did, you have suggested that it is unlikely. It's puts my mind at ease. I'm just a worrier that's all. So would you say it is very unlikely?

      Thanks

    • Posted

      Non-sexual transmission of genital herpes requires close timing, enough viable virus on the object, and direct contact with a susceptible entry point (like broken skin or mucos membranes). This makes it very unlikely for genital herpes to spread non-sexually, as herpes tends not to survive well beyond the host, is easily destroyed by soap, and it's unlikely for all of the above factors to align. So, no, you don't need to worry. The only potential concern is immediately used, still damp towels (or underwear, swimsuit bottoms, etc.).

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