Can the herpes virus live in toilet water. If so for how long?

Answer 1

I don't think so, but always play it safe. As for the doctor on Oprah today, I'd trust him about as far as I can throw him. You CAN get STDs from toilet seats, ever heard of menstrual blood? I always carry alcohol wipes with me to clean off toilet seats before sitting on them; it might not work, but it sure makes me feel better about sitting on the nasty toilet seats in public restrooms.

Answer 2

Yes, short answer. However, viruses are not 'alive' in the usual sense, so substituting 'persist' for 'live in your query might be suitable.
Now for the nitty-gritty. Herpes viruses can only reproduce within host cells, that is, humans in this case. Their population cannot increase in a toilet. The only virus particles there would be any that shed from the host.
Therefore, flushing or cleaning the toilet regularly should vastly reduce the possibility of someone picking up a herpes infection by using the same toilet after a host was there.
As for 'how long can they 'live' in toilet water', that is again a matter of the particular toilet facility's cleaning regimen. Keep in mind the above--flushing would remove all the virus, except some on the seat perhaps. And if typical caustic toilet cleaners are used, they would effectively destroy any virus that somehow was still stuck to the bowl after flushing. So would a weak bleach (Chlorox) solution.
If you just wonder how long virus particles could remain infectious if they remain in pure water undisturbed by chemicals or physical stress, this would require some careful experimentation.
My instinct is that they could survive a dunking almost indefinitely, especially if the temperature and lighting were also controlled. Hot water (>80 C.) would probably destroy the membranous envelope that surrounds the virus proper. Very hot water (100+ C.) would denature the proteins of the the virus coat, as would UV light (in sunlight). Strong sunlight might also disrupt the DNA of the virus core. So if you want to keep viruses viable in water, keep it dark and cool.

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

I've read that the herpes virus requires moisture and heat (body temperature) to survive. It will die within a couple of minutes without these two factors. It is possible that it could survive in someones urine on the seat for a couple minutes. That's your only risk really. The toilet water is usually much cooler than body temperature so the virus would die quite soon if not immediately, I imagine.

Answer 5

I am absolutely terrified and I feel so alone. I just found out last week that I tested positive for hsv1 and 2. I have been with the same man for the past 10 years and within the last year found out that he has cheated on me with numerous women. I am so scared that I can give it to my children by kissing them and them eating with me...I feel like my whole life has changed. And even though the nurses, my doctor, and websites say that a lot of people have it I still feel like I am by myself. My self esteem has dropped and I feel like I have been used up. But now, My life is very happy.

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Answer 6

yes it can live in there, in public bathrooms i usually flush even when theres nothing in there just to make sure. If I got some 409 handy ill spray the seat off. Many germs are invited to linger around the nasty habits of human excertion stations so just be cautious and layer the toilet water to avoid backsplash

Answer 7

I dont think so, If your worried just dont play in the toliet anymore,lol Watched Opera today had a doc on there. He said you can not get an STD from a toliet seat but some men like to use that excuss. He said you can sit on every Toielt seat in the world and your not going to get an STD from it.

Answer 8

I am assuming you are meaning herpes simplex 1 (oral) or herpes simplex 2 (genital - although either could manifest as the other) in this question. The simple answer is "no, they cannot". The spread is through mucus membrane - mucus membrane contact (sexual, kissing, open sores).

Answer 9

the two all human beings is misguided. a virulent disease can stay for years if not centuries outdoors a bunch, IF particular situations are met. With HIV it has to exist in a fluid medium. as quickly as the virus hits the ambience it dies at once. to respond to your question-(How long can the HIV virus definitely stay outdoors the physique?) indefinitely.

Answer 10

Sounds like a good excuse although the toilet seat might work better...