Herpes: Can You Catch it from a Toilet Seat?
Yes, in principle it it possible to catch Herpes from going to
the toilet, but it is highly unlikely. The type of Herpes you are
worried about is probably Genital Herpes caused by the virus Herpes Simplex 2. This virus lives in the body and does not survive for
long on surfaces, towels, drinks etc. Basically you have to be
sitting on a toilet seat immediately after someone who has Herpes
Simplex in outbreak sat on it and managed to smear a large amount
of virus on the seat. You will then have to have rubbed either
your genitals, anus or an open cut on your bottom or thighs on
the toilet seat to catch the virus but even in an unlikely scenario
like this, the chances of catching Herpes are very slim. You do not
have to worry about catching Herpes from going to the toilet.
If you Have Genital Herpes Take Precautions
If you have Genital Herpes, you should be careful around the
outbreak period:
- Avoid sexual activity
- Take antiviral treatment
- Avoid touching the affected area
- Wash your hands regularly
Herpes Simplex 2 stays in your body once you've caught it. Even if
you don't have frequent outbreaks, you risk spreading it because
of the viral shedding period.
If you suspect that you have Genital herpes you should SEE YOUR DOCTOR for
diagnosis, advice and appropriate medication.
Still Need Help?
Why not ask your question in our Public Q&A Forum? We'd be glad to hear from you and will try to help as best we can ;-)
- Herpes Viruses:
gini, I disagree, only tiny
gini, I disagree, only tiny remains would stay on the toilet seat if you had a sore on your butt......tough I think your just using this thread to promote your pottys anyway, me personally don NOT drag my privates across the toilet seat, I think I am part of the majority when I say that, lol.
to niki
Niki...i created an account just to respond to your comment which is extremely misleading!!! First of all I have worked in an infectious disease clinic for 2 years and your comment makes me extremly angry! YES YOU CAN CATCH IT FROM A TOILET SEAT!!!Notice "unlikely" doesn't mean "impossible". Allow me to explain to your simplistic mind...A infected person does not have to "DRAG THEIR PRIVATES ACROSS THE TOILET SEAT" you idiot. As I am sure you know, if your having an outbreak you have OPEN LESIONS THAT ARE LEAKING..LEAKING...LEAKING, hence all you have to do is sit down on it, get up and walk away leaving your LEAKING LEASION JUICE on the toilet seat. And more often than not, there is another patient waiting to leave their urine sample when the person in the bathroom is finished. That leaves less than 1 minute between toilet use. Don't be a dumba**!
Herpes Simplex 2
I have just been diagnosed with this. Should I assume my hubby gave it to me? Is it something could have lain dormant in my system for years and now popped out? I had chicken pox as a child and have had other issues as a result of that virus. I'm totally at a loss and completely bummed out.
Thanks,
herpes simplex
chicken pox is herpes zoster which in later life can cause shingles. it is totally different from herpes simplex which is usually contracted from a sex partner. it can be dormant for years or not show up at all in some people. however, they can be a "carrier" and transmit the virus to you at any time. you could have gotten it from any sex partner at any time if it remained dormant until now. most likely though, you got it from a recent sex partner.
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