In general, herpes can be contracted through direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Contrary to popular belief, a person will not get herpes from contact with an inanimate object such as a toilet seat or a bar of soap. The virus is too fragile to be spread in that manner. It’s theoretically possible, but highly unlikely. One notable exception to that is razors. Herpes can also be transmitted by using a razor on the genital area that has previously been used on the genital area of an infected person during an outbreak. The virus can survive in the moist areas between razor blades and can then be transmitted to anyone who unknowingly uses that same razor.

However, the vast majority of herpes cases are transmitted directly from an infected person to another.

The virus travels through tiny breaks in the skin or the mucous membranes in the mouth. Most types of herpes can only be spread during an outbreak. However, genital herpees can be spread at any time…even if no sores, known as lesions, are present. When sores are present, they shed the virus, easily affecting those you are closest to.

Herpes can be spread by any type of skin-to-skin contact with the infected area. In the case of gential herpes, this includes anal intercourse, penile-vaginal intercourse, oral-genital sex, and any other sexual body-to-body contact. Oral herpes can be spread by, oral sex, obviously, as well as by kissing. If you touch a herpes sore, you should wash your hands before touching any other part of your body, such as eyes, nose, mouth, and other skin areas.

Pregnant women can pass the virus along to their unborn children. Neonatal herpes is a tragic – and sometimes, fatal – condition. It’s important to note that women with long-standing infections carry a low risk of giving the infection to the fetus. Transmission rates are lowest for women who contract the disease prior to getting pregnant. Conversely, they are highest when a woman gets herps in the third trimester of pregnancy.

For even more transmission facts, we recommend that you visit this link.