How Is Herpes Transmitted Non Sexually?

Hello and welcome to today's show, the Ask Alexandra Edition. I'm excited you're here! This is the Life with Herpes podcast, and this segment is one of my favorites because it allows us to connect through shared questions. Whether you're listening from London, New Jersey, Canada, Alaska, or Australia, you might be wondering the same things.

Before diving in, have you downloaded our free ebook? It's about nine seldomly used but incredibly powerful over-the-counter herpes remedies. I put this together based on my personal experience. It's a handy reference for preventing outbreaks or speeding up the healing process. Download it for free at lifewithherpes.com.

Today's question comes from Chris in Nashville, Tennessee. Chris asked, "Do you have to have sex to get herpes?" This is a great question because there's a common myth that you can only get herpes through sexual intercourse. 

Herpes is caused by the HSV virus and is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, not just sex. The virus prefers moist, dark areas like the mouth and genital region, but it can infect other areas too. For instance, you can get an outbreak inside the vaginal canal or on the inside of your leg near your genital area.

Common Non-Sexual Transmission Methods:

1. Oral Sex: If you have oral herpes and perform oral sex, your partner can contract genital herpes.

2. Kissing: HSV-1 (oral herpes) is often passed from adults to children through kisses.

3. Sharing Utensils or Drinks: Using the same utensils or drinks as someone with herpes can spread the virus.

A significant point to remember is asymptomatic shedding. This means the virus can be transmitted even when there are no visible symptoms. About 70% of herpes transmissions occur this way. Activities like spooning, or not washing hands after using the bathroom before engaging in foreplay, can spread the virus.

1. Communication: Always inform your partner if you have herpes.

2. Handwashing: Keep your hands clean, especially before and after touching affected areas.

3. Safe Foreplay: Consider protection even during foreplay, not just intercourse.

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Thank you, Chris, for your question. You've helped many people by bringing up this important topic. Remember to submit your questions at lifewithherpes.com, and I'll see you soon on the next episode of Life with Herpes.