Herpes is easily spread from skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. You can get it when your genitals and/or mouth touch their genitals and/or mouth — usually during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Herpes can be passed even if the penis or tongue doesnt go all the way in the vagina, anus, or mouth.

Is it safe to date someone with genital herpes?

If youve recently found out that you have herpes, or recently found out you might be considering dating someone with HSV-1 or HSV-2, its vital that you stay positive. With the right combination of medication, conversation and understanding, its still very possible to form and maintain normal romantic relationships.

Can I spread genital herpes to my family?

If a mother or father kisses a child, they can either contract the virus from the child or pass the virus on to the child. People can also transmit this virus to their husband or wife when they kiss that person. Therefore, HSV 1 can be passed from family member to family member.

Should you stay away from someone with herpes?

Yes. Even when no sores are present, the herpes virus is still active in the body and can spread to others. If you or your partner has herpes, reduce the risk of spread by: using a condom every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal).

How long can herpes live on towels?

In nine adults with virus-positive herpes labialis, herpesvirus was detected in the anterior oral pool of seven (78%) and on the hands of six (67%). Herpesviruses isolated from patients with oral lesions were found to survive for as long as two hours on skin, three hours on cloth, and four hours on plastic.