How can you be sure you will not transmit the herpes virus to other people? Well, first you need to understand exactly how the virus is spread. Then you will be able to take steps to avoid spreading
herpes to others.
Before herpes can spread from one person to another, it has to be able to attach to the other person’s skin cells. The virus does not survive very long outside of a cell and it can not be spread across open space, only from direct contact. For example, someone can not sneeze and spread herpes across a room to another person. Also, you can not get herpes from someone spitting on you or bleeding on you.
Herpes is spread by the direct skin to skin contact between an affected person and another person. It is not like the viruses that cause colds and the flu which can be spread through the air. However, it is important to understand “direct contact” and how this virus works.
The skin is very resilient and protects you from many disease and viruses so while it is possible, it is rare that you get herpes just from touching someone. The transfer of the virus typically occurs in areas of mucous membranes (such as the genitals and the mouth). If
to them. If you have genital herpes and have sexual contact, you can spread it to your partner. In some cases, such as if you have a cut on your lip or in your genitals, it can make it easier for the virus to get inside if you are exposed.
Herpes can be spread through both vaginal and anal intercourse. You can also spread either type from oral sex. If you have a cold sore on your mouth, you can transfer the virus to your partner’s genitals. If your partner has genital herpes, you can get it on your mouth from oral intercourse. Again, it is not the exchanging on bodily fluids that spreads the disease (such as with HIV) but instead it is the exposed contact with a sore or lesion.
On those same notes, a person with oral herpes can give it to a baby through kissing them or even transfer the virus if they touch their open sores and then touch the baby without washing their hands. This is because infants have a weaker immune system that is not
equipped to fight off the virus. So while a typical, healthy person wouldn’t get it this way, you should be careful around infants and people with certain immune diseases that weaken their system.
In some cases, herpes can also be spread from sharing lipstick or Chapstick, glasses, silverware and other items that come in contact with the sores of the mouth and then someone else’s mouth. The same can be said about underwear or anything that comes in direct contact with infected genitals and then someone else’s genitals. However, this type of transfer is not as common because the herpes virus cannot live long on these items. The transfer would have to occur immediately.
Some people worry that they will spread the herpes virus to someone else in their family from a towel, etc. This isn’t likely to happen but you can be sure to be safe by not sharing towels and making sure you always wash them. Herpes can not live long on a towel or clothing, especially after it has been washed so your family members will be safe.
Mother to baby
Another question that many people have is if they will be able to have children after being
diagnosed with herpes. Men with herpes can not pass it down to their children through genes. They do o be careful not to infect their pregnant wives. however, have t
omen diagnosed with herpes will not pass it to their baby through
The herpes virus can also be spread from a mother to her baby. Howe
erpes doesn’t spread to your baby through your blood the way some
W
genes either. However, there are some ways a mother can pass it on to her baby but there are also ways to prevent it.
ver, it is important that you understand how this transfer occurs so that you can prevent it if you are in the situation.
H
diseases can. Congenital herpes happens when the mother has an active outbreak during the delivery of her baby.
Congenital herpes can be very devastating and possibly fatal in a newborn but it is preventable.
A pregnant woman diagnosed with herpes will be checked
regularly throughout her pregnancy and before the birth of her baby. If the herpes virus is not active at the time that labor begins, a normal vaginal delivery is usually possible. However, if outbreak occurs, the baby will have to be delivered via caesarean section to prevent the infant from contracting the virus.
If you are pregnant and think you may have herpes or have been exposed to herpes, tell your doctor immediately. If you
already know you have herpes and you plan to become pregnant, you should talk with your doctor so that you can get started on prevention medications as early as possible and so that you can be monitored throughout your pregnancy.
The problem many women do not realize is that you may have an outbreak in your cervix or other areas of the genitals that you can not see but that will affect your newborn. It’s never a good idea to assume you are okay and outbreak free but always better to tell your doctor and get monitored during the pregnancy.
Can the mother pass the herpes virus to her baby through her blood?
This is a common question as some diseases and conditions can be passed on in this manner. Herpes however, lies in the nerves and can only be passed to the baby if the infant comes into contact with an
open sore. Therefore, the baby is safe if the mother does not have active genital herpes during a vaginal delivery or if she delivers via C- section.