Herpes is a highly contagious disease that is caught by direct contact with someone's herpes sore, by kissing, sharing glasses or by unprotected intimate contact. In addition, in some cases, it may also involve sharing some items of clothing.
In addition, contact with an object infected with the virus, such as glass, cutlery, towels of the infected person is also highly contagious at the stage when the wound is filled with bubbles with liquid.
Depending on the type of herpes, there are specific situations that can transmit the virus:
1. Cold sores
The cold sore virus can be transmitted in several ways, which include:
- Kissing; Sharing the same glass, silverware or plate; Using the same towel; Using the same razor blade.
Herpes can also be transmitted by any other object that has been used previously by the person with herpes and that has not yet been disinfected.
While it is easier for the herpes virus to be transmitted only when a person has a mouth sore, it can also pass even when there are no symptoms, as there are times throughout the year when the virus becomes more easily transmitted, even without causing the appearance of sores on the lip.
In addition, a person with cold sores can also transmit the virus through oral sex, which can lead to a situation of genital herpes in the other person.
2. Genital herpes
The genital herpes virus is easily transmitted through:
- Direct contact with the wound in the genital region and local secretions; Use of objects or clothes that have come in contact with the wound; Any type of sexual intercourse without a condom; Use of the same underwear or towels to clean the intimate area.
Contrary to popular knowledge, genital herpes does not pass through the toilet, sheets or swimming in a pool with another infected person.
See what symptoms can arise in the case of genital herpes.
3. Herpes zoster
Although it has the same name, herpes zoster is not caused by the herpes virus, but by a reactivation of the chicken pox virus. Thus, the disease cannot be transmitted, it is only possible to transmit the chicken pox virus. When this happens, the person is more likely to develop chicken pox, not herpes zoster, especially if they have never had chicken pox.
The chickenpox virus, responsible for herpes zoster, is transmitted mainly by contact with the secretions released by the herpes zoster wounds and, therefore, it is very important that the infected person avoid scratching the lesions, washing frequently, as well as leaving the place always covered.
Understand more details about herpes zoster.
How to not get herpes
The herpes virus is very easy to catch, however, there are some precautions that help to reduce the risk of transmission, such as:
- Having sex protected with a condom; Avoid kissing other people with visible cold sores; Avoid sharing cups, cutlery or plates with people who have a visible herpes wound; Do not share objects that may have been in contact with herpes sores;
In addition, washing your hands frequently, especially before eating or touching your face, also helps to protect against the transmission of various viruses, such as herpes.
