Preventing the of spread the herpes virus
How can you prevent spreading 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 you have a cold sore and you kiss someone, you can transfer the virus 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.
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