Can You Get Herpes Through Clothing?
Herpes is a virus infection that can cause painful blisters and lesions on the skin. It is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person. However, can herpes also be spread through indirect contact such as clothing?
Can Herpes Spore Live On Clothing?
The herpes virus can in fact survive on cloth for some time. The virus can survive for long periods even without its host. While the virus can survive on clothing, there is a low risk of infection unless the clothing is shared among people. It is also important to note that not every person who comes into contact with the virus will actually become infected by it as some people may have a natural immunity towards it.
Can You Get Herpes Through Shared Clothing?
The risk of getting herpes through clothing is very low, and is only possible in the event of sharing clothing with an infected person. The virus can survive on clothing for short periods, meaning that if the clothing was worn by an infected person, and shared with a non-infected person immediately after, there is a chance of the latter contracting the virus.
Are There Other Ways to Catch Herpes Through Clothing?
While it is unlikely that one can contract herpes through clothing, it is not impossible. In some cases, herpes may be spread through contact with infected secretions, such as saliva, blood, or sores. This could happen if the infected person’s saliva were to come into contact with shared clothing, such as on towels or bed linen. If this were to occur, the risk of transmission of the virus does increase.
How Can You Avoid Getting Herpes Through Clothing?
- Do not share clothes or bed linen with an infected person – even if the person does not appear to have any active lesions, it is important to avoid sharing as there is a risk of transmission.
- Wash your clothes after coming into contact with an infected person – even if you do not actually share the clothing with the person, washing the clothing in warm, soapy water can reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid touching any sores or lesions on an infected person – this is the surest way to avoid contracting the herpes virus.
In conclusion, the risk of contracting herpes through clothing is generally very low, though those coming into close contact with an infected person should take measures to reduce the risk. This can be achieved by ensuring no clothing or bed linen is shared, and washing any clothing that has come into contact with an infected person. Additionally, it is important to avoid touching any sores or lesions of an infected person.