Is It Possible to Catch Herpes from a Toilet Seat

Is it possible to catch herpes from a toilet seat?

Yes, but only if you are not careful enough or do something wrong.

What happens when someone uses the toilet without washing their hands first?

They touch the seat with dirty fingers. If they have no other germs on them, then there will be nothing left on the seat after they wipe off their hands. But if they had some germs on their hands, then the germs can still infect others.

If someone touches a seat with dirty hands, then there is no way to avoid getting herpes. Even though you wiped your hands clean, there might be traces of germs left on the seat. These traces could cause infection later on.

How long does herpes last outside the body?

There is no definite answer to this question. However, it seems that the average life span of herpes virus is about 2 years. So even if you got herpes from a toilet seat, it would take at least two years before you can get any symptoms again.

Can you catch herpes from a toilet seat?

No, because you cannot contract herpes from touching anything except your own genitals (and possibly mouth). Even then, you cannot get it unless your partner has sores on the genitals or in the mouth.

Can you get herpes from a toilet seat?

Probably not, for at least two reasons. First of all, you can only get herpes from direct contact with an infected person’s fluids. This means that you have to touch their fluids directly or put your own infected body parts into their fluids.

How long does Herpes survive outside the body? How long does Herpes live on a surface?

Herpes simplex virus survives OR lives on a surface for at least 16 hours, maybe longer.

How dangerous is herpes to babies?

Most babies who get infected with herpes during birth do not have any symptoms. Some have mild symptoms and some develop more serious complications. On rare occasions, a baby will die because of herpes infection.

Can you transmit herpes to a partner if there are no symptoms present?

No. You can only transmit the herpes virus if you or your partner has an outbreak (symptomatic). Asymptomatic shedding (when there are no outward signs of the virus as in no sores)can transmit the virus.

How do I tell my parents that I have herpes?

This is a very personal and difficult decision that you will have to make yourself. If you decide to tell them, make sure that you have someone else with you for support.

How to cure herpes?

There is no cure for herpes. Once you have it, you have it for life. However, there are medications that can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Please see: Treating herpes

Does genital herpes affect fertility (the ability to have children)?

For most people, genital herpes does not affect fertility. However, in some cases genital herpes can increase the risk of premature birth if a woman gets an active outbreak during pregnancy.

Can you transmit genital herpes if there are no symptoms or signs present?

Yes, you can still transmit the virus even if there are no symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic viral shedding. There are also certain situations in which the virus will be shed even if there are no symptoms.

Is shingles contagious?

No, you cannot get shingles from someone who has it.

What does a genital herpes rash look like?

It usually starts as an burning or itching sensation. Then a red rash (with or without small blisters) will start to show on the genitals. In women, this rash may also appear on the inside of the thighs and buttocks. The rash is usually more common in women than it is in men.

Can you get a cold sore on your mouth from someone who has genital herpes?

No. Cold sores and genital herpes are caused by two different viruses (herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2). You can only get a cold sore on your mouth if you come into direct contact with someone who has a cold sore. You can get genital herpes if you come into direct contact with someone who has genital herpes.

Can you get herpes from toilet seats?

No, you cannot get herpes from a toilet seat. This is a myth that was spread around to try and scare people. You can only get herpes by direct contact with an infected area.

Can you get genital herpes if the person doesn’t have an outbreak?

Most people who have herpes get outbreaks that cause visible sores on their genitals. However, some people will experience asymptomatic viral shedding and experience no outward signs, but can still spread the virus to sexual partners. You can only catch the virus from someone when there is virus present on their skin. However, most people with herpes don’t have symptoms and some people will only have 1 or 2 outbreaks after which they will have fewer or no outbreaks for the rest of their lives.

Does genital herpes cause brain damage?

No, genital herpes does not cause brain damage. This is a myth that was spread around in the past.

What if I think my child has genital herpes?

If you think your child has herpes, please take them to a doctor as soon as possible. There is treatment available for herpes and it is much more effective if started early.

Can you get herpes from someone who has cold sores but doesn’t have genital herpes?

Yes, you can still get genital herpes from someone who has cold sores or fever blisters outside their genital area. The virus is the same.

Sources & references used in this article:

True or False: It Is Possible for a Person to Get a Sexually Transmitted Infection from a Public Toilet Seat by FJ Kinder, G Phillips, L Runnels, AM Hirsch, A Bunton… – whc-shreveport.com

Genital Herpes by GHCDCF Sheet – 2008 – cdc.gov

Genital herpes: signs, symptoms, treatment, and more by JO Team