I have a family member who has herpes and I would like to know if there is any other way that someone could get it besides having unprotected sex?
2006-08-31 09:38:57 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
No, there's no other way, don't worry. The only way that the herpes virus can be spread is via direct contact with an active lesion. In other words, the infected person would have to be having an outbreak and you would have to have a small tear, cut or otherwise, rub against it for it to infect you. It's actually difficult to catch. Sometimes people believe that you can get it off of a toilet seat - not true. The only way you could get it from a toilet seat would be if you were having sex with an infected person with an active lesion on the toilet seat ...and even then, that's still not getting it from a toilet seat. The herpes virus, like all viruses, is fragile. It needs the right conditions in order to survive. It cannot survive on a toilet seat, on a towel, etc. Unless you have unprotected sex with that family member (uh, eww) you will not be contracting herpes from him/her.
2006-08-31 09:40:42 · answer #1 · answered by Answers to Nurse 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
1
2016-05-01 18:01:33 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2
2016-09-01 22:20:58 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its genital herpes, no there isn't another way than sexually. If it is a cold sore (herpes simplex II), kissing and sharing a glass during an outbreak can infect another person. Remember that genital herpes and mouth herpes are caused by two different types of the herpes virus.
2006-08-31 09:49:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it depends on what kind of herpes you are talking about.
Cold sores (typically herpes simplex virus 1) can be spread by simply kissing a person who has cold sores. You can also get it by sharing drinks, chap stick, lip stick, cigarettes, etc. If a person with cold sores had their lips on it and you put your lips on it after wards you can get cold sores. The most common way is being kissed with someone who has them.
Genital herpes (typically herpes simplex virus 2) is mainly passed through sexual activity. Vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, even direct skin to skin contact with the genital area with someone who has genital herpes can cause another person to get the virus. Even if the person is not having an outbreak they can still spread it (that's how I got it!). In fact, according to Valtrex, 70% of people with genital herpes got it from their partner when they were showing no signs or symptoms of the virus, like sores.
I have personally had genital herpes for over 5 years, since I was 17 years old. I got it after sleeping with a guy ONE time who was not having an outbreak or showing any signs of the virus. I have NEVER passed it to any family members of friends since I have had it. My two younger brothers and I shared a bathroom for years and they never got it from me. Some people will say you can get it from using a shower or toilet after someone with herpes has used it, that is totally FALSE. You can not get the virus that way.
I hope this answered your question!
***Also, Paul H, said don't share needles, that is NOT true. Herpes isn't passed by sharing needles. Herpes is not in a persons blood like HIV. If it were in the blood I REALLY doubt the American Red Cross would allow a person with herpes to donate blood. According to the American Red Cross, "genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements."
http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html#std
2006-08-31 12:27:41 · answer #5 · answered by Alli 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't share any needles. Other than that, extremely unlikely. As a precaution, however, do not share towels. UCLA studies showed that the virus can live on a wet towel for up to 4 hours if conditions are right. For the most part, there is really only one way to get herpes, and that is unprotected sex. You really don't have much to worry about.
2006-08-31 09:43:48 · answer #6 · answered by Paul H 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
depends on the type of herpes he or she has. there are 8 types, but the most common is herpes simplex virus 1 and 3. HSV 1 is the typ you get on you face - cold sores and HSV 2 it genital warts.50 - 90% of all adults are infected with it and it is latent in the lumbar sacral region of the bone marrow. it can be reactivated by stressful stimuli - UV light, menstruation, stress, sunlight exposure.
it is only spread by direct contact - droplets inhaled, kissing, sex. HSV 2 is transmitted by sex or sexual activity of any sort.
2006-08-31 21:08:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they have herpes around their mouth, it is possible to get it if you drink from the same glass as them or if you kiss them and happen to have an open cut or something. If they have genital herpes, you could probably catch it from using their towels, bath sponge/washcloth and things that would touch their genitals.
2006-08-31 09:41:47 · answer #8 · answered by Rawrrrr 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Only if you actually touch the herpes on someone else's skin with your finger then accidently touch your mouth or any other opening on your body part with that same finger, then. But other than that I don't you can get it.
2006-08-31 09:43:02 · answer #9 · answered by LilSo1287 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well , it depends on the herps that he has
some kinds come to the lips and it is not harmful or not from the sex at all
there are two kinds of Herps ,
one by sex relation , and another without sex
take care
2006-08-31 09:41:32 · answer #10 · answered by The rocket 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋